IN LOVING MEMORY OF

William "Bill"

William "Bill" Bradford Fatland Profile Photo

Bradford Fatland

Jul 31, 1943 — Jun 9, 2026

Sioux Falls

Obituary

William "Bill" Fatland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls. He was 82 years old.

Born on July 31, 1943, William Bradford Fatland was the son of Guy and Mary Jane (Sebesta) Fatland. He was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and raised in Kimball, South Dakota. Bill attended a country school south of Kimball, at Bendon, and graduated from Kimball High School in 1961. He developed a strong background in mechanical work, largely due to his father's profession as a farm mechanic, city mechanic, and welder. Additionally, his uncle Paul was a well-known country mechanic who provided Bill with "continuing mechanical education."

After high school, Bill attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, South Dakota, initially pursuing a math and science program. However, he ultimately completed a two-year Automotive Degree. During trade school, he worked for a (gasp!) Ford dealer. After graduating in 1966, he moved to Sioux Falls for his first significant job at Jennings Standard, located at the corner of 10th and Minnesota Avenue. Bill became the owner of Jennings Standard Amoco Station in 1985 and maintained ownership for the next 15 to 20 years. After 29 years in service station work, he established Central Auto Repair and continued working on vehicles until his retirement in 2004. He later worked part-time for 11 years, repairing cars and managing a car wash and laundry.

On May 28, 1966, Bill married Mary Kaye Wick, and they welcomed their son, Todd. Sadly, Mary Kaye passed away after 41 years of marriage, and Todd also passed away suddenly at the age of 40, both in 2007. Many remember Kaye for her years of service at the Banquet.

In his younger years, Bill was a member of the Siouxland 4-Wheelers during the 1970s and 1980s, and he had a well-known "Red Blazer" as his vehicle of choice. Bill enjoyed numerous 4WD trips to locations such as North Dakota, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Salt Lake City and Moab, Utah, Hannibal, Missouri, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Bill's retirement was marked by his marriage to Patricia (née Haas) Rowland on September 7, 2013, in Kimball, South Dakota. Bill and Pat enjoyed traveling, primarily to the Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States.

As a true auto enthusiast, Bill dedicated much of his retirement to working on his grandson Andrew's vehicle projects. He took great pride in the complete restoration of his 1959 4WD Chevy pickup at Kustom Restoration near Miller, South Dakota. Additionally, Bill was a huge fan of NASCAR. He loved the outdoors—particularly hunting and target shooting—and was an avid reader, especially of Western novels, though he had little fondness for yard work.

William and Mary Kaye were members of The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, and he was a member of the NRA (National Rifle Association) for 20 years. Bill and Pat were also members of the Great Plains Street Rodders.

Those who knew Bill well will remember his talent for telling detailed stories and amusing tales about early Sioux Falls. He was quick-witted, enjoyed sharing jokes, and was known for his willingness to help others. His calm demeanor was one of his greatest characteristics, as he rarely raised his voice.

William is survived by his wife, Pat Fatland of Sioux Falls; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Fatland of Sioux Falls; his grandson, Andrew Fatland; his step-son, Craig (Danielle) Rowland of Sioux Falls; and his step-granddaughters, Lucy and Anna Rowland of Sioux Falls. He is also survived by his brother, Jay (Connie) Fatland of Kimball, SD; sisters-in-law Jane Wick and Beth (Dan) Jennings, both of Sioux Falls; brothers-in-law Ted (Linda) Wick of Hot Springs, SD, and Ray Toupal of Seattle, WA; many beloved nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mary Jane Fatland; his son, Todd Fatland; his first wife, Mary Kaye Fatland; his sister, Rosalie Toupal; and his brothers-in-law Hal Wick and Terry Wick.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Memory Sharing with luncheon the follow on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108. Bill will be laid to rest at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. His celebration of life will also be livestreamed on Miller Funeral Home's YouTube page. To watch the service live, please click on the following link: Bill Fatland's Celebration of Life LIVESTREAM

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. To donate online, please click on the following link: https://www.averafoundation.org/support/

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

June
15

Monday

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Celebration of Life Memory Sharing

June
15

Monday

Starts at 12:30 pm

Committal Service

June
15

Monday

Starts at 2:15 pm

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