Bill McKernan

Bill McKernan, age 80 of Milbank, passed away on January 1, 2023, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

William Peter McKernan was born on November 11, 1942, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of Emmett H. McKernan and Catherine Barbara (Huneger) McKernan. Bill grew up in Milbank. He attended St. Lawrence School and Milbank High School, graduating with the Class of 1961. He attended Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls.

Bill served in the United States Army from 1967 until 1969. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his honorable discharge, Bill returned to South Dakota.

Bill worked in the insurance business, first for Milbank Mutual in Milbank, then for Presidential Insurance in Sioux Falls, SD. He later worked for Western Bank in Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls School District, and Stone Container. Due to health reasons, Bill moved back to Milbank in 2004. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and a member of the VFW.

Bill had an infectious laugh and friendly personality. He loved to visit and everyone was his friend. He cherished his family, loving his siblings and adored his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed family gatherings and truly enjoyed life.

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his two sisters: Betty (Lloyd) Fenhaus of Corona, SD; and Mary Lou Jarman of Milbank, SD; sisters-in-law, Sandy McKernan of Twin Brooks, SD; and Sharon McKernan of Bloomington, MN; 16 nieces and nephews; as well as many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents: Emmett and Catherine; two brothers: Joe and Gene; and brother-in-law, Gordon Jarman.