William Charles "Bill" Schwartz was born February 24, 1950, to Charles and Cecelia (Brekenfeld) Schwartz in Belle Fourche, SD. He grew up in
Newell, SD, and attended school there until 1959 when his family moved to Sturgis. During his teen years, he spent summers at his cousin, Harlan Smizer's ranch in Burke, SD, and at the Kieffer ranch east of Sturgis. Bill graduated from Brown High School in 1969 and lettered in football. He later graduated from SD VoTech.

September 15, 1972, he married Rita Nonnast and they resided in Rapid City for two years where he worked various jobs and was stationed in
Custer as a guard during the Aim uprising. They later moved back to Sturgis where they remained the rest of his life. Bill enjoyed spending time with all his family and especially the company of his sons, Mike and Clark, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, motorcycling with his brother, and road trips plus, an occasional stop in Deadwood to drop a few nickels. He was employed at the Meade County Courthouse as a custodian where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his co-workers and staff.

Bill, 61 of Sturgis, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Sturgis Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family and coworkers.

He is survived by his wife, Rita, and sons, Mike and Clark, all of Sturgis; one brother, Lowell (Debbie) Schwartz, Sturgis; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials have been established to the Meade County Senior Center and the EMT crews.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com .

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