William 'Bill' Hansen
February 17, 19449 - June 8, 2020

Graveside services for William “Bill” Hansen, 71, of Oacoma, SD, were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2020, at Riverview Cemetery of Chamberlain, SD.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2020, at Hickey Funeral Chapel of Chamberlain, SD.
William “Bill” Hansen died June 8, 2020, with his brother by his side at San ford Care Center of Chamberlain, SD, at the age of 71.
William “Bill” Hansen was born Feb. 17, 1949, at Pierre, SD, to William and Beatrice (Thompson) Hansen.
He grew up on the family farm south of Draper, SD, and attended Draper School of Draper, SD, until 1960 when they sold the farm and moved to Chamberlain, SD. After moving to Chamberlain, SD, Bill attended Chamberlain Schools and was active in football and track. He graduated from Chamberlain High School of Chamberlain, SD, in 1968.
After high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.
In 1970, while on leave, Bill came home to marry the love of his life, Sherry Birchfield. Bill and Sherry celebrated 50 years of marriage in February this year. To this union, four children were born – Angela, Nichole,
Melissa and William “Billy.”
Bill returned to Oacoma, SD, in 1971 and worked several years in construction. One project he was proud to have worked on was the construction of the Interstate 90 bridge over the Missouri River in Chamberlain, SD.
Bill served in the South Dakota Army National Guard 200th Engineer Company and worked as a supply sergeant until his retirement. Not a day went by that Bill was not proud of his military service to his country.
After a short retirement, Bill joined the Al’s Oasis family and worked there until his second retirement. He later went back to Al’s Oasis until his third and final retirement. He made friends with everyone who entered that
store and loved to visit with them.
Throughout his life, Bill loved to be in the great outdoors. When he was not working, you could find him at the river and always count on him knowing where the fish were biting. He made sure to pass this passion on to his children and grandchildren. If not fishing, he was in the “old house” making bottom bouncers, spinners and sinkers.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 50 years, Sherry Hansen of Oacoma, SD; children, Angela Oliver of Chamberlain, SD, Nichole Muth of Sioux Falls, SD, Melissa Chmela and husband, Wes of Oacoma, SD, and Bill Hansen and wife, Blair of Chamberlain, SD; eight grandchildren, Ryan Geraets of Harrisburg, SD, Stephanie Geraets of Dell Rapids, SD, Brandon Geraets of Dell Rapids, SD, Kordel Chmela of Oacoma, SD, Jayd Chmela of Oacoma, SD, Lyza Chmela of Oacoma, SD, Chase Hansen of Chamberlain, SD, and Hatcher Hansen of Chamberlain, SD; siblings, Harlan Hendershot and wife, Freda of Gillette, WY, Wanda Pickner of Oacoma, SD, and Neil Hansen and wife, Dawn of Cheyenne, WY; his mother-in-law, Eva Birchfield of Oacoma, SD, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beatrice Hansen; his father-in-law, Joe Birchfield; a son-in-law, Ron Muth; siblings, Harvey Hendershot and Billy Hendershot and a brother-in-law, Lawrence Pickner.
Hickey Funeral Chapel of Chamberlain, SD, was in charge of arrangements.
The obituary may be seen at www.hickeyfuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.