William Simon

William Simon, age 76, of Castlewood, SD, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the local hospital.  A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD. Pastor Steve Biswell will be the officiate. 

Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Military honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.

William “Bill” J. Simon, was born on October 30, 1948, to Clarence and Evelyn (Anenson) Simon in Sisseton, SD. Bill went to Sisseton High School and entered the Army in 1967. After being discharged from the military, Bill continued his education at Lake Area. Bill's path led him to being an airplane mechanic and worked in Watertown at various companies. Bill also taught aviation classes at Lake Area for a few years.

After his time in the service, Bill found love with Marietta Vrchota. Bill and Marietta “Mary” were married October 27, 1973 and made their home in Watertown, SD. The couple eventually moved to their farm in Castlewood where they raised their children and created fond memories.

Bill was a man who loved farming with every fiber of his being, finding solace in the rhythm of the seasons and the growth he nurtured in his sheep. On the farm his love for his wife was seen by caring for her horses, which he was not fond of! In his later years, Bill bought a fixer upper house as a side project. Fixing it by hand and later renting it out.

Bill's creativity was not confined to his work. He took great pleasure in making wagons, he made three wagons that could be pulled by a tractor, he was very proud of his wagons. When not busy on the farm Bill was spending time with his family, camping, and riding his side by side. Bill was also a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Simon; daughter Heather (Jon) Oaks; son Benjamin (Tori) Simon; five grandchildren, Mickaela Geranen, Synnova (Holden Phillips) Geranen, Nicholas Geranen, Lily Simon, and Landon Simon; and three sisters, Marilyn (Todd) Baty, Tammy (David) Bucklin, and Pauline (Rick) Glynn; one brother, Richard Simon, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Dustin; parents Clarence and Evelyn Simon; three sisters, Cassandra Damon, Carol Fogel, and Gail Peterson; one brother, Mikel Simon; and father-in-law John Vrchota.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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