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Submitted: 5/11/24 • Approved: 5/23/24 • Last Updated: 5/26/24 • R275950-G275950-S3
William "Bill" Leo Neises
August 1, 1937 - January 8, 2024
William “Bill” L. Neises, age 86 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Ava’s Hospice House. His Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 12, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls from 5:00-7:00 PM.
Bill was born in Mitchell, SD where he experienced deep family connections, a no-quit attitude regarding hard work, and a heart that focused on the good in his life verses all the obstacles. He enjoyed a short time in the Air Force but was medically discharged due to being blind in his left eye which was caused by an accident in his early childhood. His love for airplanes never changed though. He often had a book with him about aircraft history and various wars, and he looked forward to attending air shows whenever possible. The pinnacle airplane event of his life was when he got to tour a B-52 and sit inside the cockpit, plus pilot a computerized flight simulator.
In addition to airplanes, Bill thoroughly enjoyed learning about all kinds of birds and how to attract them to their backyard. He always had his binoculars or telescope with him when they traveled, kept journals about unique sightings, and consistently asked for birdseed for his Christmas or birthday presents. He was a true lover of nature and appreciated the beauty of God's creatures.
Bill worked for Lakeside Dairy for 32 years delivering milk, eggs, ice cream, etc. to homes all over Minnehaha County. He was dearly loved by many customers and delivered not only delicious food, but friendly service with a smile. He was proud of his days on the route and would proudly tell anyone he encountered, "I was the last milkman in Sioux Falls."
Aside from work, Bill was known as "Coach" by his old slow-pitch softball team from the late 1960s, and throughout the 80s and 90s when he coached his youngest daughters and their friends. Coaching slow-pitch softball fueled his desire to build relationships, create unity, and be a part of something bigger than himself. Two of his greatest accomplishments were bringing home the National Team Sportsmanship trophy in1968 and coaching his girls' team to win the 1990 State Championship.
But the most important thing Bill will be remembered for is his faithful love to his family. He was married to Shirley for 55+ years and theirs was truly a love for the ages. Quality time was his love language and anytime spent with family was time well spent. We are grateful for our larger-than-life hero that we called dad, husband, papa and friend.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Shirley Neises of Sioux Falls, SD; children, Paula (Bill) Reynolds of Rapid City, SD, Cory (JoAnn) Neises of Sioux Falls, SD, Kimberly (Dan) Wells of Worthing, SD, Carey (Robb) Billings of Papillion, NE, and Laura (Ben) DeRuyter of Rapid City, SD; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry and Gene Neises; sisters, Rita, Joan, Eileen, Alvera, Audrey, and Patricia.
Contributed on 5/11/24 by 9katz
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Record #: 275950