Robert "Bob" Oas

Robert “Bob” Oas, age 89, of Madison, died Saturday, May 04, 2019, at the Madison Regional Health System. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, May 10, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison. Inurnment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Robert Oas was born January 9, 1930, in Mitchell, SD, to Thorolf and Tracy (Lee) Oas. He graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1948. In 1949, Bob met the love of his life, Virginia Callahan at Ruskin Park near Forestburg. On June 10, 1950, Bob and Virginia were married in Mitchell and together raised three daughters. Bob received his bachelors degree in education from Northern State College in 1957. He then earned his masters degree in education from South Dakota State University 1962, and his doctorate degree in education from the University of South Dakota in 1969.  Bob came to Dakota State in 1969 and was Director of Student Teaching and Dean of the College, and Professor in the education department. Bob also served as the Faculty Athletic Representative for 20 years and was two-time President of the SD-Iowa Athletic Conference. As a lifelong educator, Bob worked as a teacher, principal , superintendent, and director of student teachers, all in various communities. Upon his retirement in 1994, he became Professor Emeritus of Education and was honored as DSU’s Outstanding Educator. He was named the “Friend of Foundation” by the Madison Central School Educational Foundation in 2011. Bob was never a coach but was just as involved in DSU Athletics as any coach, he was awarded the Terry Ryan Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and one of his most cherished contributions was serving as the scoreboard timekeeper at the Trojan football games for nearly 30 years.

Bob was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served as president of the congregation and various council positions. He was a member of Madison Kiwanis and served on the SD Board of Regents, Madison Country Club, and the Madison Elks Club. Bob loved reading, golfing, wood working, bridge, and most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Virginia of Madison; three daughters, Linda (Joel) Brick of Madison, Sandy (Mike) Reed of Sioux City, IA, Tamra (Dale) Martin of Port St. Lucie, FL; four grandchildren, Jason Reed (Tiffany Jones), Derek Reed, Terin Martin (Ryan Walden), and Bryce Martin; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Jordan Reed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister Lorraine.

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