William C. Braa, 83, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with burial at a later date at Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne, Minnesota.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends was from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at Miller Funeral Home Westside Chapel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Born on Dec. 26, 1940, in Sherman, South Dakota, William “Bill” Charles Braa brought warmth and spirit into the world just in time for the holiday season. Raised in Luverne, Minnesota, Bill loved sharing stories of his childhood adventures — many of which revolved around his time spent at his Aunt Alice and Uncle Harold’s home near Brandon. It was there he discovered a lifelong love for horses, rodeos, and the great outdoors.
Bill loved reminiscing about riding horses, competing in rodeos, and cooling off in the Split Rock River.
A proud graduate of Luverne High School in 1958, Bill first caught the eye of Carol at a school event. Carol admitted she’d been watching him for a while, and Bill – whether through his sports involvement or his charm — made a lasting impression. His Studebaker was mentioned fondly during their early dates.
Bill tried his hand at several jobs in the Luverne area, including building Quonset buildings in Iowa. After a lot of grueling work and much time away from Carol, he headed back home despite his mom’s disapproval and found a new opportunity thanks to Carol’s connections where she was a secretary at A.R. Wood Manufacturing in Luverne. Early days proved that together, Bill and Carol were the ultimate duo.
In September 1959, Bill and Carol tied the knot at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, beginning a beautiful life together filled with love, family and hard work. By 1961 Bill found a new calling with Northern States Power (NSP), which prompted a move to Sioux Falls. They welcomed their daughter Debra in 1962, followed by their son Jeffrey in 1964.
The family made their home in Lennox for several decades, where Bill became a beloved part of the community. He helped start the Lennox Volunteer Ambulance Squad, became very involved with the local Boy Scouts program, served on the Lennox School Board, and even lent his carpentry talents to friends and neighbors for things like constructing kitchen cabinets
After decades with NSP — spanning 37 years and a variety of roles — such as lineman out in the field and eventually getting his own office as contract designer, Bill retired but kept busy with his carpentry skills and passion for outdoor projects. He was always thinking of some clever project where he could put his tools to use as most recently revamping a utility trailer, where Bill’s creativity and craftsmanship shone through.
Although Bill missed Carol dearly after her passing, he lived the next year to the fullest. He cherished trips to the Black Hills with his son Jeff, often setting out with no return date in mind. As well as spending a week in June with his daughter Debra and granddaughter Ashley at their beloved place next to Terry Peak. Grandson Jerick treated him to a daylong cruise in the side by side where they not only raced around Hill City, Custer, and Wildlife Loop, Needles Highway – even climbed quite the mountain together.
Highlight of the day was always sweets and desserts after his coffee, and he was always up for a margarita with Debra and Ashley. He enjoyed phone calls with his grandsons (especially when they included photos of his great-grandsons), and took great pride in watching his great-granddaughter play volleyball. Bill was almost always game for a last-minute trip — like visiting Target Field twice this summer — and he rarely turned down a good time, especially if it meant he could drive his new Bronco. Occasionally he indulged in a bit of nostalgia by tossing a few dollars into the slot machines, a pastime he and Carol had shared.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Debra, of Sioux Falls; his son, Jeff (Rhonda) Braa of Champlin, Minnesota; and his three grandchildren, Jerick Braa of Ramsey Minnesota, Ashley (Cory) Metzger of Hills, Minnesota, and Robert (Carolyn) of Custer, South Dakota. He was also a proud great-grandfather to great-grandchildren Chloe, Daniel, and Kendrick, as well as beloved dogs Leo, Chico, Watson, Luna and Boomer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents, Iona and George; and his sisters, Darlene Spease and Shirley McQuoid.
For online obituary and guest register please go to the website at www.millerfh.com.
