William Heier

William Benedict Heier, 72, Hosmer, passed away December 8, 2024 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen. To honor his life, Mass was scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024 at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Bowdle, with Father Timothy Cone, Celebrant.

William was born on February 19, 1952, in Igloo to Martin and Helen (Kappenman) Heier. He was the youngest of three brothers including Daniel and Patrick Heier. William was also a beloved uncle to his nieces, Bernadette Heier and Christine (Heier) Freitag, who cherished him like a father figure.

He was brought up in Igloo and attended Provo School, before his family moved to Pleasant Hill, California, in 1966. There, he attended high school, where he was an outstanding athlete, playing on an All-Star Basketball Team. William went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in English from California State University, Chico.

His last vocation was an electrician for San Francisco State University from which he retired after 20 years of service.

A talented musician, William was known for his love of songwriting and performance. He was a rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist in the country rock genre. He formed bands with his best friends and would play at the local pizza shop, with songs even played on radio stations in the Bay Area. He was a respected member of the International Saw Players Association, regularly performing at the California Musical Saw Festival, where he was known for playing the 6-foot logging saw. His music was as much a part of him as his sense of humor, wit, and storytelling.

After retiring, he returned to South Dakota and settled in Hosmer (his ancestral home), where he loved the peace and quiet. He was a well-loved member of the Hosmer community, often seen driving his golf cart to the local coffee shop or socializing at the bar. His infectious humor and kind spirit made him a cherished friend to many.

He was especially close to his cousins Leonard Heier and Joanne Gisi, who cared for him when he became disabled. He was also loved by numerous other cousins and friends, including his late cousin and best friend, Gerard Heier.

William is survived by his brother Patrick Heier and Patrick's wife Rufa of N. Mankato, Minn .; two nieces, Bernadette Heier and Christine (Heier) Freitag of Roseville, Minn .; and many cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin; his mother, Helen; older brother, Daniel Heier; and his fiancé, Leslie Morrow (Their dream had been to marry, move to Hosmer, and open a hardware store).

Honorary bearers were Joanne Gisi of Hosmer and Barnie Heier of Sioux Falls.

Bearers were his brother, Patrick, and Leonard Heier of Hosmer.

Lectors were nieces, Bernadette and Christine. Mass servers were Isaiah and Jeremiah Heilman and Pianist was Margaret Bobby.

Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle. (www.MillerLienFH.com) William's Mass will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.