Robert L. 'Rob' Wynja, 71, Sheldon

A graveside service for Robert L. “Rob” Wynja was held Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin. Rev. Al Honken officiated. A memorial gathering followed at Sanborn Funeral Home in Sanborn. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Robert Lee “Rob” Wynja came into the world at Sheldon on June 11, 1952, one of twin sons born to James and Elizabeth Jean (DeLeeuw) Wynja. He and his brother, Ronald, were welcomed home by their older sister, Barbara. Eventually two other boys would complete their family. Along with his siblings, Rob spent his early years in Melvin where he received his education, graduating from Melvin High School with the Class of 1970.

Following high school, Rob was employed at the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator in Melvin as a truck driver, a position he held and enjoyed for 35 years. He was united in marriage to Twilla DeGraaf on Oct. 22, 1971 at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. The couple made their home in Melvin and became the parents of two sons, Mitchell and Matthew. This union later dissolved.

In his free time Rob enjoyed watching old westerns on TV, keeping up with current events on the computer, playing cards with friends or visiting with the locals over a cup of coffee at JR’s in Melvin. He had also been a member of the Eagles Club in Sheldon.

Health reasons prompted a move to Fieldcrest Assisted Living, the Christian Retirement Home and lastly to Fieldcrest, all in Sheldon. He enjoyed making new acquaintances and looked forward to visits from family, grandchildren and friends. Rob had the gift of being able to talk to anyone; he loved to visit with people and learn what was happening in their lives. Even through all his health challenges, he had always kept God at the center of his life.

Rob passed from this life at his home in Sheldon on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Wynja; grandparents: Bill and Margaret DeLeeuw, and Henry and Dora Wynja.

Survivors include his children: Mitch and Mandy Wynja, of Sheldon, and Matt and Jackie Wynja, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; seven grandchildren: Taylor (Brad), Ryder, Evan, Kyler, Bailey, Kemper and Brody; one great-grandchild, Kyah; special friend, Janice Bolkema, of Sheldon; his mother, Liz Wynja, of Sanborn; brothers: Ronald (Kathy) Wynja, of Sibley; Mike (Kay) Wynja and Mark (Marsha) Wynja, of Melvin; one sister, Barb (Craig) Sorensen, of Melvin; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.