William Harter, 81

Private family funeral services for William Harter, 81, Winner were held on Jan. 30 at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Burial was in the Colome city cemetery.

William Wayne Harter was born April 9, 1939 at his parent’s home near Wewela, SD. Bill grew up on the family farm and after graduating he worked on a ranch at Cody, NE.

Bill enlisted in the National Guard on Oct. 8, 1962 and served for six and a half years. He did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. During his time with the National Guard, Bill was promoted to Mess Sergeant. It was noted on his Honorable discharge that he was a sharp shooter with a M14 rifle.

On April 7, 1962, Bill married Dianne Kostal and they made their home in Winner, SD. To this union three children were born: Toni, Brad, and Dustin. On Nov. 22, 2007, Bill was baptized in the Lutheran Church.

Bill was employed at Winner Welding for 17½ years. He bought the family farm near Wewela and farmed for many years. During this time, Bill was self-employed in trucking and hauling hay out of state until he retired. He was also a volunteer fireman for 25 years.

Bill was known for always having a deck of cards with him and being ready for a game of pitch. The joy of Bill’s life was his grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching his kids and grandkids to play cards. If he wasn’t playing cards with his family, he could be found any place that was feasible to play pitch whether it was on the hood of a truck or sitting in a vehicle.

Bill passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2021, at Winner Regional Hospital after battling a lengthy illness at the age of 81 years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dianne of Winner, SD; one daughter, Toni Harter of Rock Spring, WY; two sons Brad (Jennifer) Harter of Sedan, KS, and Dustin (Amanda) Harter of Baltic, SD; two brothers, George Harter of Sioux Falls and Ralph Harter of Box Elder; two sisters, Velma Croston of Winner and Faye Condon of Winner; six grandchildren: Jon, Justin, Jessica, Jaden, Jared, and Joey; and four great grandchildren.   Bill was preceded in death by his parents James and Mildred Harter, two infant brothers, a sister Ruth Swartz, and a brother James Harter.