Robert M. Thullner, age 82, of Herreid, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Herreid, SD. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm at the Church on Friday, July 17, 2026. There will be a prayer service at 7pm.

Robert was born on February 26, 1944, to John and Walburga (Schaefbauer) Thullner. Robert attended school in Herreid, graduating from Herreid High School in 1962. After studying agriculture at South Dakota State University, he returned to join his father on the farm. He married Helen (Ginsbach) on August 18, 1965. They farmed until 2015, when they moved to small scale farming (a large garden). He received a Parkinson's diagnosis in 2018; he continued to live on the farm until entering the Wishek Living Center in September 2025.

Robert dedicated his life to his faith, farm, and family. He was active in St. Michael's Catholic Church ministry and, as a director in Catholic Rural Life advocating for family farms. He possessed a strong work ethic and frequently worked long days, stating, "Don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today." His faith, land stewardship, and skills as a livestock farmer helped him to endure the hard years and appreciate the good years. Helen was the love of his life and constant partner on the farm. Some of his best memories were with his family, including visiting Austria to reunite with his cousins and watching his grandchildren play on the farm. He also enjoyed sharing stories of local history.

Robert had a variety of interests that helped him to connect with others and develop lifelong friendships. He contributed to the Herreid community by serving in the Jaycees and the Booster Club. As an active member of R-CALF, he advocated for fairness for the livestock industry through his frequent letters to the editor of local and state newspapers. He avidly collected Minneapolis-Moline tractors, enjoying the challenge of restoring them and then driving them in local parades, especially his dad's tractor, built in 1946. With a love for designing and building, he always repurposed existing materials regardless of the project and was especially proud of reusing the old Herreid gymnasium bleachers.

He is survived by his wife Helen; daughters: Karen of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota and Linda (Dave) Simmons of Edina, Minnesota; grandchildren: Claire, Christopher, and Benjamin; sister, Margaret (Peggy) Matthews, Chicago, Illinois and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; half-sisters and brothers-in-law: Florence and Herb Brandner, Mary and Revone Kluckman, brother-in-law John (Margaret) Mathews; and nephews: John Brandner and Paul Kluckman.