Dr.Robert E. Kading

Dr. Robert E. Kading, 81, lifetime resident of Webster, South Dakota passed away on December. 27, 2008 while visiting his son and family in San Antonio, Texas. Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. on January 7, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Webster with Pastor John Hisel officiating. Inurnment with military rites will be at a later date in the Webster Cemetery. Friends may sign the book at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster on Tuesday, January, 6, 2009 5-8 P.M. with a Masonic service at 8:00 PM. Robert Erwin Kading was born on September 23, 1927 at the Peabody Memorial Hospital in Webster to Erwin J. and Martha (Koepke) Kading. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Webster and graduated from Webster High School in 1945. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Specialized Service Corps. Robert graduated from SDSU in 1948 and from Northern Illinois College of Optometry as a Doctor of Optometry in 1950. On March 17, 1950 he opened his Optometry practice in Webster, where he practiced for over 50 years serving thousands of loyal patients. On May 29, 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, Olive Cowan at the United Methodist Church in Webster. In over 60 years together they enjoyed their home in Webster, time at their cabin on Enemy Swim Lake and winters in south Texas following their retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and a special talent and passion for woodworking. He was a member of the United Methodist Church his entire life, where he taught Sunday school and served on the church board. He was a Mason, member of Coteau Lodge 54 A.F. & A.M. where he served as worshipful master, Yelduz Shrine, Lake Region Shrine Club, Webster Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, Day County Hospital Board, Webster Hospital Advisory Board, Webster Development Corporation, Webster Building, Loan and Savings Association, Isaac Walton League, charter member of Webster Jaycees, and numerous other civic associations and boards. He served 4 terms as a Webster City Alderman. Robert was actively involved with Boy Scouts for over 53 years. He reached the rank of Star, without the availability to continue to Eagle Scout due to the war and the troop being disbanded during that time. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1976, the highest recognition the Boy Scouts can bestow on any Scouter for service. In 2004 Webster Troop 33 celebrated their 70th anniversary. In the Reporter and Farmer Robert was quoted: “I liked the program. I liked what it offered for boys. Everyone has to do something in life, and that’s what I did.” Survivors include his wife, Olive, three sons, Steve (Deborah), San Antonio,TX, Lynn (Sandye) and Doug (Jane) both of Rapid City, SD. Eight grandchildren; Jade (Jerry) Baker, Jamie (Thad) Grimsrud, David (Kristi), Chris (Cathy), Rob, Stephanie, Benjamin (Lacy), Jonathan and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, James.