Joe Rovere has left Rapid City and is not expected to return.

Joe was born in Lusk, Wyoming, on July 7, 1929 to Joseph and Florence Rovere.  He grew up on a ranch in Sturgis in the shadow of Bear Butte.  He loved the ranch life and learned many lessons, as well as the values of determination and hard work.   As a young man he was very active in 4H. He was the proud recipient of the 1946 National 4H Leadership Award, which gave him the once in a lifetime honor to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia and give an address in the chapel of the Annapolis Naval Academy. His years on the debate team at Sturgis High School prepared him for a long career in the public arena. After graduating from SDSU and Black Hills State University, Joe served 11 years as an extension agent in Meade and Ziebach counties. He was employed by Black Hills Power/Corporation/Energy for 32 years, retiring as Vice President of Public Affairs/District Administration. During those 32 years, he gave 3,265 public talks.  Joe conducted numerous communication and lobbying seminars throughout the region.   He always said "hire good people and get out of the way."

Joe gave generously of his time and talent to many organizations, among them the Journey Museum, Cornerstone Mission, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, School of Mines, Black Hills State University, Rapid City Regional Hospital (Monument Health), Salvation Army, Behavior Management, Youth and Family Services, Western Resources for the Disabled, Central States Fair, the Livestock Industry 4H Trust Fund, Co-chairman Mt. Rushmore Golden Anniversary Committee, United Way Campaigns , Board Member and President of Church Response, SD 4H Foundation President, SD Electrical Council, Honorary Commander, Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD Volunteer Fund Raiser of the Year in 1994 and 1997, BHSU Distinguished Alumnus Award, RC Chamber "George Award" for Community Service, Cosmopolitan International Distinguished Service Award, RC Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, Jaycees Director, Boy Scouts, SD Economic Education Council, Toastmaster Member for 30 years, Leadership Rapid City Presenter/Facilitator Communication Workshops, Children's Home Society presented him the Bushnell Award for support of children and families,  Governor's Neighbor helping Neighbor Award, Friend of 4H Award presented by SD Stockgrowers Association, SD 4H Alumnus Award for contributions to 4H, Little League Baseball/Timberline Little League, Coach, Manager, President, and many others.  The Joe Rovere Library has been established in his honor by the Journey Museum.

Responding to the range of his public service, The Rapid City Journal once called him "the Ubiquitous Joe Rovere, because he's everywhere, he's everywhere."  In recognition of his years of commitment to causes that made life better for so many people, July 28, 1994, was proclaimed Joe Rovere Day by Governor Walter Dale Miller and Rapid City Mayor Ed McLaughlin.

One of the recent highlights of Joe's life was seeing Joseph R. Biden elected as President. Joe was known for saying and believing "With enthusiasm you can accomplish anything."

Joe and Vicki met at Black Hills Power.  A co-worker of Joe's invited him to Vicki's birthday party in 1974.  He went, and the next week Joe sent her a note in inter-office mail asking her out for pizza. She accepted, and after dating for two-plus years, Joe would tell you Vicki's ultimatum came.  Is marriage in our future?  Joe expressed some concern with their 17 year age difference.  Vicki told Joe that when he's 100, she'll be 83, so what difference does it make.  He replied, "I don't want to sleep with an 83 year old woman."  He quickly added, "Set the date."

Joe also had a full family life.  He enjoyed playing sports, travel, 4H, pony time and music with his children.  He and Vicki enjoyed traveling to the Northeast United States and Washington DC, as well as many road trips to various parts of the United States, and a trip to England and a cruise in Alaska.  Their travels took them to Las Vegas Professional boxing matches and Olympic Trials in Georgia and Arizona.  They attended the Rose Parade and went to the Michigan/Southern California Bowl Game.   Go Michigan!   Many South Dakota back roads were explored and enjoyed, while sampling the best of small town meals.

Vicki managed to persuade him that he loved rock and roll music as much as she does.  They went to hear Meat Loaf, Elton John, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner, to name a few.

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Vicki; children Jim, Sandy (Danny)  Jeff (April) and Shaun (Steve); as well as  grandchildren, Julie, Joe, Danielle, Matthew, Megan, Ty, Jessie, Lacy, J.D, Sophie and Iris, great grandchildren, nieces, nephew, and his brother Fred Rovere (Sharon).

Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Celebration of life services will be held at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church on Monday, February 8, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Journey Museum, the Cornerstone Mission, or Hospice House.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, Joe's family asks that wearing of masks and social distancing are practiced.  For those who are unable to wear or who are uncomfortable with masks as well as those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be available on the Osheim & Schmidt web site two hours following the service at: https://www.osheimschmidt.com/obituary/joseph-joe-e-rovere-jr