Robert "Bob" A. Synstad

Robert "Bob" A. Synstad, age 79, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the local hospital. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD, with visitation starting at 5:00 p.m. Pastor Dan Overbo will officiate. The prayer service will be live-streamed and recorded via our website.

Memorials in Bob’s honor can be made to Watertown area hospice organizations.

Bob was born on June 7, 1946, in Wabasha, MN, to Roy and Wilma (Vogt) Synstad. He attended Alma High School in Alma, WI, before graduating from University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI, with a Bachelor’s degree.

On July 26, 1980, Bob married Dorothy Hall in Alma, WI. He was a teacher right out of college, before working as a towboat pilot on the Mississippi River. He later started working as an electrician; all while he was on the volunteer fire department throughout the years they lived in Alma. They later moved to Watertown in 2006. After he retired he still would help a farmer friend for 17 years.

During the winters when he had retired, he and Dorothy would go to Port A Texas. He enjoyed fishing, especially snapper at Port A, hunting, going on bus tours with Dorothy. He was always open to trying new beers, but his favorite was Leinenkugels light, for which he would take road trips to Wisconsin. He was very meticulous with his garden and lawn care.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Watertown; his children Darwin Synstad of Vermont, and Leah (Joe) Johnson of St Paul, MN; grandson, William; three sisters: Joan Meyer of Mondovi, WI, Sonya (Carrol) Iberg of Alma, WI, and Karen Schroeder of Victor, ID; and two special best friends, Macie Neitzel and Jordie Neitzel.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Wilma; his mother and father in law, Gale and Mae Hall, his brother in law, Wayne Meester, and his brother in law Herb Meyer.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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