Robert Gipp, 84, of Ft. Yates passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fort Yates, ND at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 7, 2022 with a Rosary Service beginning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are with Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Robert "RG" "Bob" Francis Gipp was born on September 14 ^th ,1938, to Francis "Bud" Gipp and Margaret Halsey. He was the 2 ^nd oldest of four brothers. He was raised in Fort Yates and graduated in 1957 from Fort Yates High School. Robert played basketball for the Fort Yates Warriors and his team went on to win the 1956 ND State B Boys Basketball Championship his junior year in High School. After graduating high school, he attended Ellendale Teachers College, and received his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

In 1959, Robert married Lonna (Dunn) Gipp and together they had 4 children. They were married for 62 years. Robert's first years of teaching were in Sawyer ND. He then relocated his family to Pine Ridge, SD in 1962. Where he was the Industrial Arts teacher as well as a basketball and cross-country coach for the Pine Ridge Thorpes. Robert had many outstanding runners and was always proud of his students, teams, and often thought of them as his own children. Over the years he led his cross country team to win three SD State A Championships.

In 1970, Robert returned home with his family to Fort Yates and began working with the Bureau of Higher Education.  Education was always an important aspect in Robert's life, he always promoted higher education to the youth and the community. In 1971 he started his second career of ranching cattle and horses. He started out with 10 head of cattle and 19 horses, which would eventually expand to many more. In his spare time he enjoyed participating in local roping events in the areas of team roping and break away, where he picked up the nickname "RG". Robert continued with his horse and cattle operation for 50 years before hanging up his rope and spurs.

He replaced his father Bud Gipp as a member of the board of directors and Chairman for Mor-Gran Sou Electric Company in 1976 and continued serving for 26 years. At this same time, he actively participated in collaboration with the creation of Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates. Robert worked at the Sitting Bull College for 39 years with titles of board member of trustees, Chairman of the board of trustees and acting President.

Robert was a founding participant in the Standing Rock Chief's Ride and a supporting participant of the Wounded Knee Massacre Big Foot Ride.  He was an avid supporter of the NO DAPL movement and enjoyed spending time at the Oceti Sakowin camp. He continued his love for advocating higher education, attending rodeos, ropings, horse races, memorial rides, branding, and checking cows. His favorite place to eat was the sale barns, he could be found there having coffee and pie. He loved his many grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. He was a strong man with a good heart, humble, and firm in his beliefs. He had gift for striking up conversation and enjoyed visiting with everyone. He has numerous family, friends, and coworkers that will miss him dearly.

Robert is survived by his wife Lonna (Dunn) Gipp of Fort Yates, ND, brother Gerald (Ginny) Gipp of Alexandria, VA, daughters: Sandra L. Gipp of Mobridge, SD and Andrea Gipp of Fort Yates, ND, son Zane Gipp of Fort Yates, ND, grandchildren: Chenoa Gipp, Nicole Gipp, Brittany Gipp, Shayla Means, Lyndon (Charlotte) Dwarf, Dillon Means, Thomas Dunn, and Charles Dunn, great grandchildren: Evony Gipp, Dreux Kidder, Meadow Lawrence, Dominicc Kidder, Jaydon Dwarf, Abel Dunn, Lynnaya Dwarf, Ridge Takes The Knife, and Orion Dunn.

He is preceded in death by his parents Francis "Bud" and Margaret (Halsey) Gipp, grandparents Jesse and Josephine (Zahn) Pleets, Albert Gipp, Louis and Christine (Iron Eyes) Halsey, brothers Francis Gipp Jr, David Gipp, Miles Gipp, sister Josephine "Sister Girl" Buffalo Boy, grandson Clancy J. Gipp, Hunka daughter Loretta Kidder, and loyal canine "Stub".

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Peter's Catholic Church of Fort Yates, ND or St. Bernard's Catholic School of Fort Yates.