William Merrick

William Merrick was born on March 10, 1941, to Hilda (Treml) and John Merrick. He was the 3rd of five children. A true South Dakotan, he was born in Cavour and grew up in Erwin. He went on to college at South Dakota State University where he earned his degree and met the love of his life, Sandra Indseth.

Bill and Sandy were married on July 7, 1962. Although always a farmer at heart, Bill built his career in the printing industry. Through various job changes he and Sandy made their way from Rapid City, SD, to Los Angeles, CA, then on to Salt Lake City, UT, adding new members to the family at each stop. Eventually, they would be joined by 4 children – 2 girls and 2 boys. 
Not done traveling, he continued to make new homes in Sanborn MN, Davenport, IA, and finally to Sioux Falls, SD. It was there that his love of travel gave way to his love of family and he settled down and remained for more than 45 years. 

His passions shifted from travel to collecting. Between auctions and rummage sales, he surrounded himself with treasures of all kinds – many of which only needed a little “Bill magic” before they found their way to new owners. His most noted collections were his wrenches and old tools. Those he kept and displayed with pride. Through his collections he had the chance to meet new people and share stories. Bill never met a stranger nor did he ever hear a boring story.
Of course, his greatest treasure was his 60-year marriage to Sandy and the generations of family born from it.  He went to as many games, plays, concerts, graduations and celebrations as possible, each with the joy that let you know that your successes were his. 

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children, Lane Timm, Cindy Peplinski, Patrick (Shelly) and Bradley (Kelley) Merrick, 10 grandchildren Alex, Zachary, Eric, Joshua, Caleb, Andrew, Theresa, Kayla, Keara, Elijah, and two great grandsons Jameson and Oliver, sisters Yvonne Shell and Roxie (Keith) Hermsen along with many nieces and nephews.  He is proceeded in death by his parents, sister Autumn Kerr Thomas, and brother John.  

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for 11:00 am on Feb. 18, 2023  at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, with a visitation 1 hour prior to the mass.

Memorials may be directed to LifeScape Foundation, 2011 W 26th St #201, Sioux Falls, SD 57105