Robert “Bob” Plath, 86, of St. James passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems – St. James.
 Visitation will be from 12 until 1 p.m. on Friday, December 30 at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James.
 A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. with Rev. Mandy France officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James.
 Online condolences may be made at www.SturmFH.com. Memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church.
 Arrangements under the direction of Sturm Funeral Home – St. James.
 Robert Paul Plath was born July 17, 1936, in Mountain Lake to parents Louis and Hertha (Neuman) Plath. He was one of five children. Bob was a member of the Army National Guard, as well as a member of the St. James American Legion. On August 15, 1959, he was united in marriage with Janet Larson. To this union two daughters were born. Bob was a proud member of the Watonwan County Sheriff’s department as well as a part-time police officer for the St. James Police Department for over 20 years combined. He was a hard-working laborer, working at Tony Downs and in his own construction business. Bob was a dedicated dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, taking the grandkids and great-grandkids hunting and fishing as much as he could. In his early years, he played slow-pitch softball. Bob will be remembered for his caring and kind demeanor, being the guy that would help anyone that was in need, and for always having a smile on his face. He will be missed by many friends, new and old.
 Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet Plath of St. James; daughters, Kendra Plath of St. James and Karla (David) Hoelmer of Prescott, Ariz.; grandchildren, Andrew Farr, Melissa (Bobby) Farr, Ashlee (Spenser) Barton, Amber (Bobby) Reagles, Adam (Courtney) Hoelmer and Alexis Hoelmer; great-grandchildren, Adrian Rodriguez-Farr, Kristina Murilla, Thorin Barton, Hailey, Alivia and Caleb Reagles, Harley and Axel Hoelmer; sister, Irene Hoehn; brother, Alfred “Fritz” Plath; sister-in-law, LaNola Plath; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
 In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his stepfather, Pat May; an infant sister, Dorothy Plath; brother, Lester “Butch” Plath; brothers-in-law, Larry Miller and Gil Hoehn; and sister-in-law, Mary Plath.