William J. Costello

William "Bill" James Costello passed away on Tuesday, May 6 at United Living Community. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 12, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, with interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitations will be from 4-7 P.M. Sunday at Eidsness Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church.

Bill was born August 2, 1932 in Cavalier, ND, to James William and Florence (Young) Costello. He graduated from Cavalier High School in 1950. He received a B.S. in Animal Husbandry from North Dakota State University in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He enrolled in graduate school at Oklahoma State University, receiving his M.S. in Animal Science in 1960, and a PhD. in Meat Science in 1963. From 1962 to 1965 he was employed by John Morrell and Company, Ottumwa, Iowa, in research and technical sales. In 1965, he joined the faculty at South Dakota State University as a Professor in the College of Agriculture & Biological Sciences and served there until his retirement in 1999. His particular field of expertise was in the area of Animal Science and most specifically in the area of Meat production and processing. Bill co-authored the text-book The Meat We Eat. He often would refer to himself as an " educated butcher". He was elected Outstanding Instructor in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences three times during his teaching tenure at SDSU. In 1989 he was presented the Gamma Sigma Delta Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1991, Bill was named SDSU Distinguished Professor. In 1993 he received the F.O. Butler Award for "Service to Students"& Academic Advising.

In August 1958 he married Lorraine Torkelson in Karlstad, MN. Bill was a loving husband and often expressed his love to his devoted wife who cared for Bill until his death. Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on many committees. He was also a member of the Golden K.

Survivors include his wife Lorraine, son Jim (Robyn) of Sioux Falls, daughter Shawna of Brookings, four granddaughters Chelsey, Cortney (Chris) Bierle, Caylee, and Carley, one sister Judy Erlandson of Sioux Falls, sister-in-laws Lu (Harlan) Darkenwald of Long Prairie, MN, Evelyn Warnes of Morris, MN brother-in-law Gerald Vigstol of Karlstad, MN, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

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Published by Argus Leader on May 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William Costello

2 Entries

Kristin Harner

May 19, 2014

Dear Dr. Costello Family,
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Dr. Costello was my advisor at SDSU. I think of our visits fondly. He was a good man and a great teacher and advisor. He left a positive impact on all of us who had the privilege to work with him.
Sincerely,
Kristin (Campbell) Harner

Paul Anderson

May 9, 2014

Heavenly Father..place your hand of comfort in the Costello family in these days of sorrow and may the promise of life eternal bless them and give them hope! In Jesus name Amen

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