2025 | Langford Man Dies Friday in Tractor Fire
Authorities in Marshall County have released the identity of the individual who died in a fatal tractor fire on Friday, Oct. 24, in rural Marshall County near Langford, SD.
The deceased has been confirmed as 83-year-old Robert Stolsmark of Langford.
Responders were dispatched at 4:21 PM on Friday for a report of a tractor on fire. During scene operations, the body of an adult male was discovered. Investigators have since determined that a farm accident resulted in the start of the fire, and the cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental.
The following agencies were involved in the response and investigation: Langford Fire Department, Marshall County Ambulance, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County Coroner, Marshall County Emergency Management, South Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Stolsmark’s obituary can be found on page 5 of this week’s Journal.
Dated October 29, 2025
–Courtesy of the Marshall County Journal (https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5007,langford-man-dies-friday-in-tractor-fire)
In regards to this incident, the following statement was released on October 27, 2025, from Marshall County Emergency Management:
Robert’s Obituary | Courtesy of Olson Funeral Chapel of Britton, SD (https://www.olsonfuneralchapel.com/obituary/robert-stolsmark)
Langford, SD: The memorial service for Robert Stolsmark will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Olson Funeral Chapel in Britton.
Robert H. Stolsmark was born December 18, 1941 on the family farm in Pierpont to Henry J. and Irene (Sundberg) Stolsmark. At a young age his family moved to the farm northwest of Langford. He attended country school and later Langford High School for a few years.
Around the age of 16 he began taking on more responsibility on the farm by taking care of the cattle. He milked cows for many years. His love of the land and farming led to taking over the farm operations when his dad began to work in town. During those years he also worked as a hired hand for local farmers. He also spent a few years working for Joe’s Implement in Pierpont and driving gravel truck. Robert made the farm his life’s work and remained on the farm until his passing.
He married Arlene Severson on October 31, 1969 in Britton, SD. They were blessed with three children. Robert loved spending time with his children, even if it was only a day at a time so he could stay close to the farm. He was a homebody and loved spending his days with his best pal and hired hand, his dog Lucky. During the summers he enjoyed attending the Sargent County and Brown County Fairs.
Robert passed away Friday, October 24, 2025 at the age of 83.
He is survived by his children, Janet (John) Premus, Allan Stolsmark and Wendy (Russel) Borgen; his grandchildren: Amanda (Russell) Steiner, Lexy Premus, Paige Stolsmark, Simon Stolsmark and Emily Borgen; his great-grandchildren: Ember and Rollins Steiner, Aliyah and Alaina Borgen; his brother, Rolland (Mary) Stolsmark; his sister, Sharon (Larry) Hanson; his best friend and hired hand, Lucky; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Arlene in 2014; his parents, Henry and Irene; and his brother, Richard (Julie) Stolsmark.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Janet Premus – 110 W. 3rd Ave. – Groton, SD 57445.
