Billy Bolander

William (Billy) Michael Bolander was born on April 27, 1971 in Winner, SD to Bob and Sherri (Neumiller) Bolander. Billy was an only child until he started kindergarten. Beth, Brady, and Blaine joined the family shortly after. Billy graduated from Winner High School in 1990. After graduation Billy went to work for Wayne's Auto for three years. Then he joined his Uncle Francis on the farm. Billy loved working on the farm. On the farm Billy grew corn, wheat, sunflowers, beans, and alfalfa. Billy also had a nice cattle herd. In Billy's spare time he had many hobbies, including demolition derbies, fishing, and hunting. Billy built his first derby car in 1993 and went on to win seven derbies. Billy also taught his two brothers Brady and Blaine how to build winning derby cars. Billy retired from derby in 2014 after he was beaten by Brady in the Winner Derby. Hunting was his second passion. Billy enjoyed going coyote hunting with his many friends, but really loved it when his brothers would join him. Billy joined Bass Masters and traveled and entered tournaments all over South Dakota. One of Billy's fondest fishing/hunting memories was when he went to Canada with Larry Kaiser, Roger Nagel, Rick Mahoney, Jim Cahoy, Bob Heath, Casey Heath, and C.J. Cahoy. On the days when Billy's nieces and nephews were around, he always made sure to spend time with them. Billy spent time teaching them how to hunt, fish, and have a love for the outdoors. Billy passed away at his home in Winner, SD on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the age of 43. Billy is loved by his parents and brothers and sister and will be missed greatly. He is now in heaven with family, loved ones, and great friends. Billy is survived by his parents Bob and Sherri Bolander, Winner, SD; sister Beth (Chad) Ulvestad, Sioux Falls, SD; brothers Brady (Lizzy) Bolander, Herrick, SD and Blaine (Katie) Bolander, Gregory, SD; nieces and nephews Brecken, Breven, Brennen, Alyssa, Ayden, Jack, Dylan, and new baby in March; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents C.A. Bolander, Anne Bolander, Pete Neumiller, Beth Neumiller, two uncles Richard and Danny Bolander, and one aunt Genevieve Bolander. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Funeral services for Billy Bolander, 43, of Winner, SD, were held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Jared Nies officiating. A prayer service was held Friday evening at the church. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, vocalist, singing "The Lord's Prayer" accompanied by Melanie Hannahs, organist. Congregational songs were "Precious Lord Take My Hand," "The Old Rugged Cross," and "On Eagles Wings." Tom Mathis and Howie Smith were in charge of registration. Flower attendants were Linda Brunmeier, Wendy Smith, Melanie Bachmann, and Ellen Storms. Casket Bearers were Tom Meiners, Danny Brunmeier, Randy Brown, Rick Mahoney, David Burger, Jason Bartels, Miles Ulmer, and Grady Myers. Honorary Casket Bearers were all of Billy's family and many friends. Interment was in the Winner Cemetery, Winner, SD at 2:30 p.m.