William Abbott

William "Bill" Francis Abbott was born on September 10, 1933, near Rosebud, South Dakota, to William and Inez (Andersen) Abbott. He was baptized as a child and was a lifetime member of the Zion Wisconsin Lutheran church at Mission, SD. He had four sisters and grew up in the Todd County area. From a young age, he enjoyed riding horses and would ride pastures for his neighbor regularly after completing all his chores.

He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Todd County, which was near their home. For high school, he attended Winner High School and graduated with the class of 1951. During his time at WHS, he was very active in sports, especially football. After high school, he worked with his dad on the current Abbott Ranch until he was drafted. In January 1954, he entered the army and served until January 1956. During this time, he was stationed in Texas, Pennsylvania and Germany, earning the rank of PFC and learning to work with generators. After returning from the army, he went back to the Abbott Ranch to help his dad.

In May of 1957, Bill took a family friend, Kay Frances Cordes, out for a cup of coffee. Bill knew after their first coffee date that he had found his special "Kay-O", telling his friends, I am going to marry that girl someday! On June 12, 1958, Bill and Kay married, and they began their 67-year love story. During that time, they were blessed with six children: Kasey (Karla) Abbott from Sioux Falls, Tracy (Lance) Tucker from White River, Bryan Abbott from Hidden Timber, Cleo (Wade) Barry from Carter, Lisa (Scott) Walton from Mitchell, and Kodi (Chad) Blotsky from Hidden Timber.

Bill loved the ranch life – and was able to do what he loved throughout his entire life. Just this year, he branded all his calves (making sure the brand was precisely placed in the correct spot), raked his hay crop, fixed his breakdowns with his precise welding, and "gave daily orders" to family. He also took time daily for a favorite activity, shooting prairie dogs! Bill loved his family, his work at the ranch, playing practical jokes, and attending his kids', grandkids', and great grandkids' activities. Bill's big blue eyes would sparkle as he took time to connect with each family member, by supporting them and guiding them with his wisdom and famous quotes, "Pay Attention!" and "Take care of your little money and the big money will take care of itself! Bill would also find time to help any neighbor or friend.

Bill served on the Todd County ASC board for 12 years, was recognized at the State and County level for being a 4-H leader and volunteer and was a member of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. He was an active member of the Winner American Legion, No. 169. In September of 2024, Bill became a member of the Midwest Honor Flight, Mission 21. He had a great time reminiscing about his army days and being honored as a veteran.

Bill is survived by his wife Kay; children Kasey (Karla), Tracy (Lance), Bryan, Lisa (Scott), Kodi (Chad), (Wade), grand kids and great grandkids Amber Abbott, Mary "Frances" Abbott & (Sam Moeller), Will Abbott, Talon Tucker & (Jenny Yackley) (Navin & Jaxon, Brooklyn & Braeden), Tyrell & (Skye) Tucker (Sawyer, Landry, Reese & Tate), Logan & (Maci) Tucker (Amelia), Link Tucker, Sara & (Patrick) Johnson (Evander & Ivy), Wade Jr. Barry & (Stephanie) (Brynlee, Emory & Wesley), Taylor & (Joe) Bosworth), Tawny Barry & (Daniel Britt), Windsor Barry & (Sierra) (Bexlee), Sidney & (Damon) Wangerin (Rhett, Ellie), Braden & (Maddy) Walton, Jayda Walton, Chaz Blotsky, Chase Blotsky & Chord Blotsky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters (Phyllis, Donna June, Delores, and Cora Ann), daughter Cleo, and several special friends.