William "Bill" Anderson, 94, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on January 28th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls.

Click HERE to watch the livestream of the service.

In true Bill fashion, he wanted to have his say. He wrote his own obituary, so here it is in his own words:

"William(Bill) Anderson

Born in Dell Rapids, September 6, 1931 to Arthur and Doris Anderson. Spent early childhood in Sioux Falls until 1942. Moved to Sioux City until 1945, then back to Sioux Falls. Graduated from Washington High in 1949. Worked at Morells and Sioux City Stockyards until Korean War, 1951-1955. After an interesting 4 years, returned to Sioux Falls and a career in Sioux Falls Stockyards. Married Ona Mae in October 1955. She passed in 2018 with Alzheimers. To this marriage was born a son, Scott. He was a joy and still is.Scott married Barb and two grandchildren came along, Erin and Brett. 1 great-grandchild (Ty)was born. (since he wrote this, 2 more were added, Jake and Shay)

This is my story and I'm sticking to it."

Obviously, there is way more to Bill's life. He was very proud of being in the military. He enlisted in the Air Force and went to Korea. He taught radio school for jet airplanes for the Air Force in Illinois for two years. He worked with his father in the stockyards livestock commission business, Wagner, Garrison & Abbot. He took the firm over from his dad and worked until his retirement in 1997. Bill loved to help others. Being a Shriner and a Mason gave him an outlet. He drove with the El Riad Roadrunners, transporting kids to the Minneapolis Shrine Hospital . He also volunteered with the Second Chance Animal Shelter. Blessed with a great bass voice, he enjoyed singing with the Elks Chorus and the Shrine Chanters. In his days at Luther Manor, Bill was known for singing spontaneously and also for the noon grace.

Anyone who knew Bill was aware of his love for being a salesman. From his career to his love of rummage sales and bargaining, he was happiest interacting with the people he met.

Bill loved hunting and fishing in his spare/time and had many outings with his brothers and Scott. Winnie, the yellow lab, was his companion.

Ona was the love of his life, and he missed her terribly when she passed. He was a devoted husband until her passing.

Bill is survived by his son, Scott (Barb Berkeland) Anderson, Granddaughter Erin (Nick) Ellingson, Grandson Brett (Emma) Anderson, three great grandchildren: Ty Ellingson, Jake and Shay Anderson; siblings, Kirk (Jan) Anderson, and Marlene Marqueson; sister-in-law, Margaret Anderson; and many close nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ona (Biegler) Anderson; parents, Arthur and Doris (Beto) Anderson; brother, Colonel Tom Anderson; brothers-in-law Wayne Marqueson and Larry Van Tassel; and a niece and nephew.

The family would like to give a shout-out to Luther Manor staff and Avera Hospice for their excellent care and friendship to Bill in his final years. Bill was one of a kind.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home Downtown Chapel (507 S Main Ave) in Sioux Falls, with a Masonic Service to follow. Family will be present one hour prior to greet friends. Following services, friends and family will gather for fellowship at the El Riad Shrine's Wednesday Night Social event.

Due to Bill's love of giving, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials or donations be made to the El Riad Shrine Transportation Fund and Feeding South Dakota.