Robert Innes, 61, of Aurora, SD passed away on February 5, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings beginning at 10:30.

Robert John Innes was born on March 4, 1960, to Irene Nikkel.  He spent his early years of his life in Canada, eventually moving to the United States with his mom at the age of 5.

Robert lived in Montana and Wyoming before finally settling in North Dakota.  At age 18 he joined the Navy and served for 6 years before returning to civilian life.  After the service, Bob became a software engineer.  He loved programming and problem solving.  It was never a job to him; it was his passion.

Bob met and married Traci Nelson on March 4, 2012.  This date was significant for them, sharing not only their anniversary, but both of their birthdays.

Bob lived his life on his own terms and he handled his cancer journey the same way.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife, Traci Nelson; his step-children: Tyler Spaans, Amber Spaans and her partner Carson Richmond; his sister-in-law Erika (Craig) Spencer; his mother-in-law Connie Nelson; his niece Alchemy (Brian) Craig; nephew, Ian Greer; his great-nephew Keenan Muscsik; and his granddaughter, Qristana Spaans.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Irene Nikkel; and his father-in-law Douglas Nelson.