William "Bill" O. Molitor, 81, passed away under hospice care at Fort Meade Department of Veterans affairs Medical Center.

In the quiet town of Aberdeen, on March 9, 1942, William Orville Molitor made his entrance into the world, bringing warmth and joy to the Molitor family.

At the tender age of five, his journey led him to the Black Hills, where the rugged landscapes of Deadwood became the backdrop of his childhood. Embarking on a new chapter at 17, Bill donned the uniform of the Army, serving as a compassionate medic. Life led him to the bustling streets of Chicago, where fate intertwined his story with Karen Rhinehart, resulting in the birth of his cherished children, Patti and Robert.

Despite life's twists, Bill found enduring love with Sandra Lore, sealing their union on November 26, 1966. Together, they welcomed three cherished hearts into the world: Debbie, Cindy, and Jim. Bill's hands were accustomed to hard work, whether in the logging fields until 1990 or as a skilled heavy equipment operator. The weight of cancer forced him into a well-deserved retirement in 2008. In the embrace of nature, Bill found solace—fishing, hunting, and hiking with loyal canine companions. Bowling alleys echoed with his laughter, and coffee breaks with his buddies held a special place in his heart. Bill wasn't just a fisherman; he was a storyteller, sharing tales of his angling triumphs with nieces and nephews, cousins, grandchildren, leaving them with memories as deep as the waters he navigated.

Survived by his steadfast wife, Sandra Molitor, Bill's legacy lives on through the lives he touched. Patti, Robert, Debbie (Dave Stewart) LaParr, and Cindy (Duston) Mullen, carry the Molitor spirit forward. Sisters, Lila and Darlene stand as guardians of shared memories, while grandchildren, Darren LaParr, Drew (Jessica) LaParr, Cassie (Steve) Long, Nikki (Dan) Krier, Jordan (Sadie) Mullen, Daniel and Zachary Warren, Robert Molitor, Jr., Christoph Marcinowski, Noah Molitor, and 11 going on 12 great-grandchildren add chapters to the family saga.

In the tapestry of his life, Bill rejoins his parents, Orville and Mamie; his son, Jim; grandson, Chris; granddaughter, Jamie Hobel; and brothers, Delbert and John.

In the echoes of Deadwood, Deerfield and the vastness of the Black Hills, the memory of William Orville Molitor remains etched—a man of resilience, love, and the quiet strength.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis; prayer service will start at 7:00 p.m. Memorials services will be held on Thursday, February 1, 10:30 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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