William Drew

On December 20, 2013 William Drew, 96, of Gettysburg, left this world to go into the loving arms of his wife and life partner Genee at the Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.

Funeral services was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2013 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 26, 2013 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

William Ellsworth Drew, born April 9, 1917 at Springfield, SD to Walter W. Drew Sr. and Agnes (Ribble) Drew. He spent his childhood in rural Gettysburg and Cass Lake, MN after his mother passed away when he was 16. He was the second of seven brothers.

In 1938 he married Imogene “Genee” Britton and to this union two children were born, Robert E. Drew and Mona (Drew) Baldridge. He and Imogene also raised his younger brother Richard.

As a young man, Bill spent time in the CCC’s and helped build the building at the Old Cheyenne River Agency. He also broke horses for spending money, and always said he was an old cowboy at heart.

After he and Genee were married they lived on a farm eight mile southeast of Gettysburg until Bill went out of farming, and they moved into town in 1949. At this time, Bill went to work for Earl Olson in the Buick garage as a salesman. In 1955 Bill bought out the Jeep and Oldsmobile dealership and ran this until 1960. He then went to Pierre for a few years and worked at Liffengren Motors and Wegner Auto selling automobiles, until he opened his own insurance agency selling hospital and life insurance. Sales were an important part of his life and he was the recipient of many awards for selling during his time.

As a young man he was a very active member of the Jaycees and drew up the first program for Keep South Dakota Green. For many years he and Genee moved to Whitlock Bay in the summers, where they enjoyed the friendships they made over the years with their fellow anglers. He loved his boat and fishing. He liked to golf and play cards, but his most enjoyment came from telling stories. He was a 65 year member of the Masonic Lodge.

He leaves to mourn his passing his son Robert Drew of Gettysburg, Bob’s children and grandchildren Lori (Rod) Lemler, Devyn and Shelby Lemler of Gettysburg, Bobi (Erno) Kallenberger of Pierre, step grandchildren Bryan (Julie) Kallenberger and Nicole (Danny) Kallenberger Eye and Hudson, Rob (Amy) Drew, Ashley and Connor Drew of Huxley, IA, Deryk Drew, Kadyn, Treyson, Peyton and Dylan Drew of Gettysburg; his daughter Mona (Jim) Baldridge of Conde, SD and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Drew (Heather) Baldridge, Melissa (Denton) Baldridge Porter, Madeline and Wayatt, Andrew Baldridge, Christopher (fiancé Brittney) Baldridge all of Woodbury, MN, Daryn Baldridge of Lakeville, MN and his daughter Jessica (Nate) Baldridge Smythe and Nathan Smythe of Abingdon, MD; his brother, Walter (Becky) Drew of Stillwater, OK; sisters-in-law, Joey Drew of Sunberg, MN, Betty Drew of Salina, KS and Dawn Drew of California and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Genee; his wife’s parents, R.P. and Laura Britton; his daughter in law, Janice Drew; his foster son/brother, Richard Drew and his brothers Clifford, Don and Daryl.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements.