Robert L. Gouldin

Obituary for Robert Gouldin Robert “Bob” Lee Gouldin, 87, of Sturgis, SD formally of Makinen, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, April 21, 2023 at the Fort Meade VA in Sturgis with family by his side. Bob was born on April 9, 1936 in Wadena, MN to James and Elizabeth Gouldin. As a child he loved to fish so much that he would lock his mother in the chicken coop to get out of chores and head to the lake to do some fishing. That passion continued through out his life as you could always find him fishing any time of the year winter or summer and the passion was handed down to his kids and grandkids. During his high school years his family moved to St. Paul, MN to give Bob a better opportunity to play baseball that he enjoyed so much and eventually led him to try out for the Twins (formally the Washington Senators). Following high school, he enlisted in the Army in January 1955 where he served 2 years at Fort Benning, GA during the Korean war. After his honorable discharge as a Corporal in the Army he continued his love and respect of firearms as an avid bird hunter with his black lab dogs. Bob was honored to serve his country and a very proud Veteran and continued his patriotism through the Aurora Color Guard. In 1957 he started at Erie Mining Co. where he worked for 38 ½ years before retiring. April 1959 is when he married the love of his life Carolyn Huotari from Deer River, MN where they lived in Gilbert, MN for 2 years before purchasing their home in Makinen where they raised their 4 kids. They spent the summers camping and fishing with family and friends where beer & whiskey was drunk, cards were played and bets were paid. In his spare time, he shot trap, played men’s softball along with being in golf and bowling leagues and always making sure he never missed any of his kids sporting events. He was honored to watch all 4 kids (Jim, Mike, Jackie, and Kathy) marry and have a total of 13 children of their own and 18 great-grandchildren. Bob was a committed member of the Makinen volunteer fire department for over 30 years, and a devoted Catholic all of his life. 10 years after his wife Carolyn passed away, he moved to Sturgis to be closer to his family in the Black Hills which he enjoyed watching great-grandkids wrestle and play ball. When not attending great-grandkids events he watched and cheered on all Minnesota sports, especially the Vikings, Twins, and Bulldogs. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents James and Elizabeth, and his sister Lois Thelen. Survivors are James Gouldin and wife Catherine of Sturgis, their 5 children Derek (Rebecca), Jeremy (Sarah), Hannah (Kevin), Maija (Jeremy), Alyssa (Jeremy) and 12 grandchildren, Zander, Ysabella, Tanner, Easton, RaeLynn, Berkley, Buxton, Rylan, Lilly, Ayla, Kaelynn, and Sawyer. Michael Gouldin and his wife Crystal of Gillette, and their 3 children Michelle (Justin), Thomas (Keasly), Kara (Logan) and 5 grandchildren, Wyatt, Hadley, Zaylee, Joseph, and Walker. Jacqueline Clausen and her husband Bob of Sturgis, and their 3 children, Robert (Danelle), Richard, and Rebecca (Nolan). Katherine Vollmer and her husband Barry of Hot Springs, and their 2 children Cassidy (Daniel) and Kole (Quinn). He lived a long life and had a lot of family, friends and neighbors that he dearly loved. He will be greatly missed by all. We are so thankful we all have fond memories to carry in our hearts forever. Funeral Mass will be held 10am Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church. Burial with military honors accorded by the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes Color Guard will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Luncheon will follow the burial back at the church. Arrangements by Kinkade & Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Homes. For online condolences, please visit. www.kinkadefunerals.com and www.zmsfuneralhome.com