Robert Preston Hodet, 72, of Rapid City, SD, passed away on July 19, 2024 in Rapid City.

Robert was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to Thomas and Helen Hodet on February 20, 1952. He went to schools in Virginia, Philippines, Brazil and Arkansas. He married Karen Smith on February 11, 1972 in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He graduated from Bentonville High School, Arkansas. He worked as the Liquor Department Manager at Boyd’s in Baken Park for 12 years and the Director of Sales for Grand Gateway Hotel for 10 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War Era and served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years - living in Mississippi, New York, Iceland, Illinois, California, Germany and South Dakota. He was the President of the Hospitality Association of Rapid City for a year and was on the Board of Directors of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Robert’s interests in his younger years included Sail Boating, Swimming, Diving, playing Tennis and traveling. In his last few years, he enjoyed sitting on the backyard patio with his family, grilling food, sitting in his hot tub, gardening, playing video games and having fun with “Griswold Family Adventures”, a perfect fit for his uncanny resemblance to Chevy Chase.

He was a most hospitable host to visitors and family members that came to his “Gasthaus Chance” home. He loved to entertain people and make them feel comfortable and welcomed as part of his family.

Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen, his son Christien (wife, JoAn), daughter Erin (Mike), grandchildren Aidan, Asher, Mallory and Jadon, and great granddaughter Oakley. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Helen and his brother, Thomas Jr.

Cremation has taken place. At Robert’s request, no funeral or memorial services have been arranged outside of an intimate family gathering.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of the Black Hills. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Toyoda and Nurse Cassie, the Monument Home Health team, especially Ben, DPT and to all the family and friends that have reached out during this time.