William H. “Bill” Willrodt

Funeral services for William H. “Bill” Willrodt, 96, of Chamberlain were held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain, SD.

William H. “Bill” Willrodt, 96, peacefully went home to the Lord on March 27, 2024, at Sanford Hospice in Chamberlain, S.D., surrounded by family. Bill was born in Chamberlain on April 23, 1927, to Harold and Elizabeth (Smith) Willrodt.

Bill spent nearly all of his life in the Chamberlain area, his favorite place in the world.

As a junior in high school, he joined the

Air Cadets, hoping to ultimately learn to fly and see the world. He entered the Air Corps in 1945. Soon after, World War II ended, and he was honorably discharged. He was proud to be a veteran and participate in Honor Flight later in life.

Following three years of higher education, including time in the seminary, he returned to the area where he and his father opened Willrodt Motor Co., in 1952. Over the years, the business sold farm equipment and automobiles. Today, third and fourth-generation family members own and operate Willrodt Ford.

On July 5, 1952, Bill married Mary Priest, who came to Chamberlain for her first nursing job. He would playfully say that since he couldn’t hack becoming a priest, he decided to marry one. Together Bill and Mary had seven children.

He loved life, wasn’t afraid to take risks and was driven to improve just about anything. Farming and the land were dear to him, and his entrepreneurial nature led him to real estate development. He was integral in developing several parts of Chamberlain, including donating land that now is home to the hospital and surrounding area.

Family was of the utmost importance to him, and he beamed when surrounded by both young and old. He made each person feel like they were the most important one in the room. Even during his recent illness, healthcare providers were astounded by his ability to remember names and provide welldeserved compliments.

Surviving family members include Paul Willrodt (Clare) of Chamberlain, Carole Farmerie (Jack) of Medical Lake, Wash., Peter Willrodt (Mary) of Chamberlain, Pat Willrodt (Melanie) of Escondido, Calif., Mickey Willrodt (Dawn) Escondido, Calif., and Mark Willrodt (Sheri) of Austin, Minn. Bill deeply enjoyed his role as head of a family that included 18 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Bill in death are his wife Mary, daughter Callie, and sisters Elizabeth Wees, Mary Hixson, and Susan Willrodt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. James Food Pantry, 400 S Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325.