Bill Eliason
June 9, 1923 ~ March 30, 2021
Click to View Bill's Funeral Service
William “Bill” Eliason, 97, of Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. MDT, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, with full military honors.
William Edward Eliason was born June 9, 1923 at Gorman, SD to Henry “Hank” and Estelle (Pence) Eliason. He graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1941.
After high school, Bill traveled to Long Beach, CA to work for Douglas Aircraft, building DC3 airplanes. He joined the US Army as a paratrooper in 1945. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he earned his pilot’s license on the GI Bill.
In 1947, Bill was united in marriage to Dorothy Briscoe. To this union four children were born: Larry, Pat, Kay, and Sue. They lived on the farm in rural Potter County.
During Bill’s life he was a jockey for Mike Herron, a semi-truck driver for Tennant Trucking and Beringer Trucking, an airplane mechanic, auctioneer, rancher, and owned his own aerial spraying business. Later he co-owned Fischer-Eliason Spraying with Don Fischer.
Bill attended school in Kansas City, MO and earned his aircraft engine and frame mechanic’s license, and he repaired and rebuilt airplanes throughout his life. Once he retired, he went to work planting trees for the Potter County Conversation District.
In 1986, Bill was united in marriage to Sharleen Fischer.
Bill’s life will be cherished by his wife, Sharleen; his children: Larry, Pierre, Pat (Randy) Harer, Gettysburg, Kay (Larry) Schmidt, Gettysburg, and Sue (Kelly) Glodt, Pierre; sister, Rosella “Penny” Boyle and niece, Kim Roberts, Spokane, WA; six grandchildren: Jessica Harer (Kyle Falkenhagen), Darrick (Carrie) Harer, Blaine Schmidt (Cami Privett), Kaycee (Chase) Hill, Kyle (Jori) Glodt, and Heather (Scott) DeBoer; and 12 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorials may be directed to the Potter County Library, 205 W Commercial Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bill was not only my neighbor, but he was my best friend's grandpa, which made him my grandpa too. I remember he was always working on a plane in his garage with the door wide open. It was so cool to me as a child to see something so "exotic" so close to home. I am thankful to hear that he's at peace and won't be in pain anymore. My heart goes to the family and everyone who misses him.
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers to the family
Kay & Pat & family,
Thinking of you & sending hugs & prayers. Our sincere condolences.
Reading the obituary, Bill sounds like such a special person and what a full and unique life he lived! May your memories bring you peace.
Sincerely,
Kim Korkow & Kirk McNeff
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry for your loss. Be comforted and remember the good times!