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Willard C. Bill Stemwedel Mar 07 1933 - Jan 02 2010
A funeral Mass for Willard C. “Bill” Stemwedel, age 76, of Watertown, SD, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. The celebrant will be Fr. Joseph Forcelle. Music will be provided by Leanne Giessinger as organist with the Immaculate Conception Choir. Bill passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at his residence. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watertown. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill’s grandchildren: Alyssa Shriver, Ryan Shriver, Lindsay Pogany, Elizabeth Cloud, Kim Gasper, and Kevin Gasper and his great-grandchildren, Owen Pogany and Eileen Pogany. Active pallbearers will be Earle Kinsman, Orville Hartwig, Gene Block, Howard Paulson, Jim Robbins, and Neil Thorson. Visitation will be at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by a Scripture Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday prior to services at the church. The family is requested to meet at the church on Tuesday by 10:00 a.m. to attend the service. Memorials may be directed to Prairie Lake Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Bill was born on March 7, 1933, in Florence, SD, to Willard and Eileen (Coyle) Stemwedel. He grew up on the family farm near Florence and graduated from Florence High School. On June 1, 1957, Bill married Marlene (Larson) Shriver in Watertown, SD. They raised their family of five in Watertown. Bill worked for Trisco Feed and later for Zip Feed Company for over 20 years until his retirement. He was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Bill was a board member for the Watertown Park and Rec and was also a member of Watoma Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks’. He was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed playing with his family and friends. Bill also coached youth baseball for many years. Bill is survived by his wife, Marlene, of Watertown; four children: Jeff (Cindy) Shriver of Salina, KS, Randi (Jim) Cloud of Oklahoma City, OK, Julie (Ed) Peterson of Watertown, SD, and Mary Gasper of Pipestone, MN; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: Brian (Dolores) Stemwedel of Watertown, SD, and Jim (Josephine) Stemwedel of Florence, SD; and two sisters: Sheila (Gene) Borns of Dell Rapids, SD, and Joan Paulson of Britton, SD. He was preceded in death by one son, Bill; his parents; and two brothers: Jerry and Dick.

Willard C. Bill Stemwedel
Mar 07 1933 - Jan 02 2010

A funeral Mass for Willard C. “Bill” Stemwedel, age 76, of Watertown, SD, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. The celebrant will be Fr. Joseph Forcelle. Music will be provided by Leanne Giessinger as organist with the Immaculate Conception Choir. Bill passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at his residence.

Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watertown. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill’s grandchildren: Alyssa Shriver, Ryan Shriver, Lindsay Pogany, Elizabeth Cloud, Kim Gasper, and Kevin Gasper and his great-grandchildren, Owen Pogany and Eileen Pogany. Active pallbearers will be Earle Kinsman, Orville Hartwig, Gene Block, Howard Paulson, Jim Robbins, and Neil Thorson.

Visitation will be at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by a Scripture Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday prior to services at the church. The family is requested to meet at the church on Tuesday by 10:00 a.m. to attend the service.

Memorials may be directed to Prairie Lake Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Bill was born on March 7, 1933, in Florence, SD, to Willard and Eileen (Coyle) Stemwedel. He grew up on the family farm near Florence and graduated from Florence High School.

On June 1, 1957, Bill married Marlene (Larson) Shriver in Watertown, SD. They raised their family of five in Watertown. Bill worked for Trisco Feed and later for Zip Feed Company for over 20 years until his retirement.

He was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Bill was a board member for the Watertown Park and Rec and was also a member of Watoma Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks’. He was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed playing with his family and friends. Bill also coached youth baseball for many years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marlene, of Watertown; four children: Jeff (Cindy) Shriver of Salina, KS, Randi (Jim) Cloud of Oklahoma City, OK, Julie (Ed) Peterson of Watertown, SD, and Mary Gasper of Pipestone, MN; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: Brian (Dolores) Stemwedel of Watertown, SD, and Jim (Josephine) Stemwedel of Florence, SD; and two sisters: Sheila (Gene) Borns of Dell Rapids, SD, and Joan Paulson of Britton, SD.

He was preceded in death by one son, Bill; his parents; and two brothers: Jerry and Dick.

Guest book

Comment posted by: Kelly H
Sun 28th Mar 2010 07:34 am

I apologise for posting this so late. I worked with Bill for a number of years and never met anyone who did not appreciate Bill's friendly greeting and wonderful outlook on life. Always an optimist and kind word to share, Bill was truly a wonderful man" He will be missed, but I take comfort knowing that on a beautiful fairway in Heaven, he is looking down with his son at his side smiling upon us.

Comment posted by: pat leisure
Tue 19th Jan 2010 01:58 pm

played many rounds of golf with bill and his son.wonderful gentlemen, will be missed greatly.

Comment posted by: John and Lori Hassing
Tue 05th Jan 2010 03:46 pm

Marlene and family- Our deepest sympathy and prayers. Bill was such a great friend-always with a beautiful smile. Our boys played baseball together and we have such fond memories. May God bless you and give you comfort.

Comment posted by: Thomas McKee
Mon 04th Jan 2010 10:18 pm

While working in the early 80's in Milbank for my fathers radio station, I recall going to town and upon seeing Bill's car at the local 'feed' company would stop most every time. We would have long conversations along with the local owner. What a classy gentleman and a pleasure to speak with. Billy (his son)was a classmate. I don't believe I've met two people, much less father and son who literally had no detractors or enemies. God bless them both and my personal sympathy to Marlene and fa

Comment posted by: Carol Hanthorn Loeschke
Sun 03rd Jan 2010 09:46 pm

Dear Marlene, Julie, Mary, & Family,
I feel like I grew up in the BEST neighborhood with great memories. Your dad was a part of those good memories. Whenever we drive to Watertown, we ALWAYS drive on Hwy 81 by our old neighborhood. Hang onto all of those family memories. Wishing you all God's peace, strength and comfort. Sending Everett-sized hugs to you.
Carol Hanthorn Loeschke

Comment posted by: Dale Waba
Sun 03rd Jan 2010 08:17 pm

I had many a good time on the baseball diamonds playing with and against Bill back in the late 50's and early 60's. He was a gentleman and a friendly person that made people feel good just being in his company. He will be missed by all who knew him.Our prayers are sent to wife Marlene and to his family.

Comment posted by: Maynard Donna Petersen
Sat 02nd Jan 2010 10:24 pm

Marlene and family: Bill will be missed by his many friends and family...We will always remember his kind and friendly smile. May your many special memories give you much comfort in the days ahead.

Comment posted by: Pat and Colette
Sat 02nd Jan 2010 03:12 pm

A true friend with a heart of gold.rnYour presence will be missed Bill and God Bless Marlene and family. Our prayers are with you

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