HARTINGTON — William “Bill” Kleinschmit, 79, Hartington, died March 6, 2023, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D., where he was surrounded by his family, whom he loved so much. Mass of Christian Burial was March 10 at Holy Family (Sts. Peter and Paul) Catholic Church, Bow Valley, with Rev. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial was in the Sts. Peter and Paul cemetery. Pallbearers were Derek Gall, Xavier Kleinschmit, Alan Samples, Dean Kleinschmit, Paul Kleinschmit, Mark Kleinschmit, Jim Kleinschmit and Vincent Pinkelman. Visitation and a rosary were Friday at the church. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

William “Bill” Kleinschmit was born Jan. 13, 1944, on the farm near Bow Valley, to Cletus and Mary Ann (Noelle) Kleinschmit. He grew up in Bow Valley and graduated from Holy Trinity High School, Hartington, in 1961. Bill then went to Omaha, where he attended school to become an automotive mechanic. He joined the United States National Guard and received his training in West Virginia. Bill served for six years with the Charlie Battery, Yankton. While serving in the National Guard, Bill also worked on the family farm, as well as for Konken Equipment, Hartington. Bill married Elizabeth “Liz” Pinkelman Aug. 22, 1970, in St. James. After their marriage, they lived in Hartington for a few years and then started farming near Bow Valley.

In addition to farming, they also had a dairy operation. After he sold the dairy cows, Bill worked in Yankton at Kolberg-Pioneer, the Freeman Company, and then Applied Engineering. Bill had a mechanical mind and could fix about anything. He enjoyed tinkering and fabricating his own equipment.

Bill absolutely loved playing cards and was a part of many card clubs. He also loved going fishing and going to auctions.

Bill was a member of several organizations including the Catholic Order of Foresters, the National Farmers Organization, the Bow Valley Park Association, and was a Certified Organic Farmer.

Bill was honest and outspoken, almost to a fault. He was very hard working and always willing to help others.

Bill is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Kleinschmit, Hartington; five children, Karen Kleinschmit, Yankton, S.D.; Gregory (Jennifer) Kleinschmit, Bow Valley; Cheryl Brouillette, Ithaca; Clay (Brooke) Kleinschmit, Hartington; and Jean (Benjamin) Gall, Randolph; eight grandchildren, Derek, Moira, Magdalena, Xavier, Gillian, Gretchen, Anneliese and Alan; four siblings, Edwin (Carol) Kleinschmit, Crofton; Martin (Linda) Kleinschmit, Hartington; Lois (Irvin) Schock, Dakota City; and Roger (Debra) Kleinschmit, Canton, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Dalton Gall; and son-inlaw, Mathew Brouillette.