Robert Kaberna, 93, of Wagner

Robert died Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Funeral Services are 10:30 AM, Monday, February 6, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Wagner. Burial is in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation is Sunday from 4 to 7 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner.

Robert William Kaberna passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. He was born January 29, 1924 on the family farm east of Wagner, the son of Frank J. and Mamie (Pisha) Kaberna. Robert was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church in Wagner and continued his membership throughout his life.

Robert attended grade school at Lone Tree Township and was taught by his sister Rose Mary Kaberna. He graduated from Wagner High School in 1941. During his high school years, he delivered milk and cream by horse and buggy and Model T, working with his family dairy operation. Robert "Bobby" farmed all of his life on the family farmstead raising cattle, hogs, sheep and crops. He also enjoyed gardening.

Robert was a pilot and enjoyed flying to other towns to meet and visit with other pilots. He owned his own Piper PA12 airplane for many years. Bobby was also and avid hunter and enjoyed the camaraderie of a group of hunting friends and took yearly trips to the Black Hills with this group.

Robert served on the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital Governing Board from 1963-1986. He was an active Mason and was a member of the Arcania Lodge #97 AF & AM, Armour; Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Yankton; and the El Riad Shrine, Sioux Falls.

Robert married Christine Kruse on January 19, 2001 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bow Valley, NE. They enjoyed traveling together, including trips to Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, Canada, Alaska and many trips across the United States. He was greatly loved by her family as Step-Dad and Grandpa.

Thankful for having shared his life are his three nephews: Frank J. and Curtis Kaberna, both of Wagner and Gary (Jan) Kaberna of Nemo; three nieces: Jean (Robert) Radamacher of Huron, Karen (David) Brown of Wagner and Elizabeth (William) Hoffman of Parkston; niece-in-law, Carol Kaberna of Pickstown; and their families; five step children and their spouses: Duane (Wanda) Kruse of Rockwell, IA, Kenneth (Kristi) Kruse of Bow Valley, NE, Diane (Daniel) Gubbels of Coleridge, NE, Gary (Lisa) Kruse of Hartington, NE and Dennis (Deb) Kruse of Bow Valley, NE; 19 step grandchildren; and 10 step great grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife Christine in 2012; parents; four brothers: Frank E. (Josephine), Wesley (DeElda), Kenneth, and Vincent (Marlene) Kaberna; one sister, Rose Mary Kaberna; and three nephews: Douglas, Donald and Warren Kaberna.