William E. McManus, age 93, of Huron, passed away peacefully at his home under hospice care on Saturday, October 14, 2023. His Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish followed by military honors by the Huron Veterans Council. Burial will be at St. Martin Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 3-6 pm with family present from 4-6 pm at Welter Funeral Home concluding with a scripture prayer service at 6pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church on Friday morning.

William Eugene McManus was born April 13, 1930, to Leo and Eleanor (Morgan) McManus in Lyman County, South Dakota. Bill spent his childhood in Lyman County and Huron. In the seventh grade, his family moved to Huron, and he attended St Theresa Catholic School. Bill graduated from Huron High School in 1949.

After graduating high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served in the Korean Conflict as an MP stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and was discharged on May 1, 1953. Upon his return, he enrolled at Huron College.

In 1953 he met the love of his life, Clarice Steuerwald. They were married on September 3, 1955, at St Martin's Church, Huron, SD. While attending college, Bill drove truck for Peavey Grain, co-owned a landscaping business with his father Leo, and worked for Jones Company Motors part-time. After completing college, Bill worked full-time as a car salesman for Jones Company until 1962.

In 1962 Bill continued his passion for service and helping others by beginning a 32-year career with the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Starting his career in Chamberlain, Bill held numerous roles and positions, eventually retiring as the Northeast District Manager in 1994.

Upon retirement, Bill and Clarice began to travel extensively and spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona from 1995 to 2022. As a resident of the Viewpoint Golf Club, Bill was very active in the Hummer's Golf League.  He played in 13 Hummer Summer Golf tournaments located in both Canada and the United States.

Bill led a long life of service. He was a member of the Jaycees and Huron Kiwanis Club.  He loved to flip pancakes at the State Fair.  He was a member of the Huron College Foundation Board, St. Martin's Church CCD Teacher, Resurrection (Holy Trinity) Choir Member, and delivered Meals on Wheels.  He is a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Bill had many interests, including golf, traveling, fishing, and a spirited family debate. Most of all, he loved that his family played music. It gave him extreme joy listening to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren perform music. He strongly encouraged all in the family to find joy in music.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Eleanor McManus, sisters Donna (William) Tyrell, Pat (Jack) Lehecka, Laverne Stone, parents-in-law Fred and Marjorie (Fancher) Steuerwald, brothers-in-law Donald (Norma Lee) Steuerwald, Wilfred (Lou) Steuerwald and sisters in law Marion (Ernest) Pech, Helen (LaVern) Allen and Janice Boe.

He is survived by his wife Clarice, his children Kathy (Bill) Chase of Huron, Terri (Allen) McGillvrey Elk River, MN, Bob (Julie) McManus of Elkhart Lake, WI Grandchildren Christopher Hastings, Benjamin (Marie) Chase, Joseph (Erica) Chase, Patrick (Abby) McGillvrey, Nichole (Brandon) Veches, Nathan (Andrea) Chase, Kelsey (Logan Roy) McManus,  Spencer (Samantha Witte) Chase, Allyson (Luke) Hougo, Connor McManus as well as his brothers-in-law Don Boe of Brookings, SD, Harold Stone of Rapid City, SD and Donald Rogers of Chico, CA, 18 Great Grand Children, and 1 Great, Great Grand Child; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the many caregivers who helped Bill towards the end of his life.

In honor of Bill's service, the family asks that memorials be directed toward causes that support music, community service, and care giving.