Billy "Bill" E. Meidinger

Billy E. Meidinger was born May 18, 1946, in Aberdeen, SD to Leonard and Billie (Whitmore) Meidinger. He was a hard worker and go-getter from the beginning. As a boy, Bill raised doves and rabbits and had several paper routes to supplement his family's income. While in high school, he held several part-time jobs. After graduation from Aberdeen Central High School in 1964, Bill was drafted into the United States Marines and served his country until he was honorably discharged due to a family emergency.

Upon his return, Bill began working for Cal Golz Volkswagen, while at the same time buying and selling furs. He was also buying wrecked vehicles and selling parts at his home on south Highway 281. After leaving the Volkswagen dealership, he began a full-time salvage yard at that location. He enjoyed providing wrecker service at the Brown County stock car races for many years. In the 1970s he purchased Pioneer Wrecking in Aberdeen and expanded his operation.

Bill was united in marriage to Julie Murschel on November 10, 1978 in Aberdeen. In the 1980s he added a used car lot on west 6th Avenue and purchased a salvage yard in Mobridge, SD. During all these years he operated a 24-hour tow-truck service. In 1986 Bill was elected to the City Commission and appreciated the chance to serve the people of Aberdeen.

Bill had a great love and appreciation for nature. Despite his long hours of work, he was able to take time for hunting and fishing. After health issues began in 2001, Bill and Julie were able to travel more and spent several winters in Florida and Arizona. Trips to the Daytona races were very special as NASCAR was a favorite pastime. Bill and Julie also made many visits to scattered family and friends. Throughout his life, Bill was gifted with the drive and spirit to overcome all obstacles, whether working and growing his business or recovering from many health problems. Most importantly, Bill loved and enjoyed his family.

Left to miss Bill are his wife, Julie; daughter, Tammy (Doug) Meidinger, Plankinton, SD; son, Dennis Miller, Brookings, SD; mother-in-law, Amelia Murschel, Aberdeen; sister-in-law, Trudy (Gary) Fossum, Lily, SD; niece, Lisa (Jason) Stenzel, Waseca, MN, and children Emma, Ethan, Myles and Henry; niece, Sommer (Jon) Hunke, Bismarck, ND; nephew, Lucas (Amber) Steiner, Somerset, SD, and children Jackson, Ian and Amelia; nephew, Duane (Barb) Meidinger, Plankinton, SD; niece, Kara (Benji) Stickney, Rapid City, SD, and children Chance, Gracie, Justus, Jenna, Jude, and Keenan; and brother, Jerry, Plankinton, SD.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Billie Meidinger.