It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Robert "Rb" Baily, 89, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, the family shares some of what made his life meaningful.
The story begins in 1927, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Robert spent his working life as ['the federal government in Hutchinson'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of many years is a life of many gifts to those who knew it.
Robert "RB" Baily, of Parker and formerly of Yankton, died peacefully at Sanford USD Medical Center on Tuesday, November 27, 2017 at the age of 89 with his family by his side. Graveside services will be at 11:00am Monday, November 27, 2017 at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker with USMC Military Honors. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. RB was born on December 22, 1927 to Robbin and Grace (Brookings) Baily in Parker, SD. He attended Parker Schools until WW II began and he enlisted during his junior year at the age of 16. He was stationed in the South Pacific and was with the 5th Marines when they landed on Iwo Jima. After the war he came back to Parker to finish high school. He later moved to Yankton where he attended Yankton College and graduated with a degree in business. After graduation RB started his own painting business and later opened the Sherwin Williams store in Yankton for 15 years. During that time he married Helen Andrews. They had three children; Gregg and Laurie (Boynton) Baily of Yankton, Rob and Crystal (Hardy) Baily of Dell Rapids, and Jane and Jim Bertsch of Sioux City. Later in life he married Viola Van Gerpen and worked for the federal government in Hutchinson, Kansas until retiring to Parker for the last 30 years. RB was a past member of the Parker City Council, Parker Masonic Lodge, El Riad Shrine, and VFW Post 2821. RB was a Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan and loved watching and talking sports with his family and friends. RB was particularly proud of all the Marines he served with on Iwo Jima and proud to be an American who served his country. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Viola, sisters Blanche Stryzewski and Patricia Baily, brothers in law Edsel Bartle and Ralph Stryzewski, grandson Drew Baily, and great granddaughter Madilyn Sue Brown. Grateful for having shared his life are his children; a sister Fran Bartle of Patagonia, AZ and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Semper Fi.
