Archived Services

William A. Crum
04-16-2024

William (Bill) Arnold Crum was born during a blizzard on March 9th,1932 in Moniteau County, Missouri. He was the second of three children
born to Albert and Zula Crum. The family moved to Pueblo, Colorado a short time later, where Bill graduated from Centennial High school.

He completed his first year of college before joining the Air Force. After serving during the Korean War in Japan and Korea, Bill was sent to Parks Air Force Base in California, where he met his wife Asella at a USO dance. They were married in 1955. Bill served in the Air Force for 22 years which included a tour in Vietnam. He received 6 medals for service and commendation there including the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement, Bill purchased an International Harvester dealership in Milbank, SD. He served as Executive of the Chamber of Commerce and was Commander of the local American Legion Post and the VFW. He was active in the arts community, golfed, hunted, fished and enjoyed his children’s activities.

Bill and Asella moved to Sioux Falls where Bill sold real estate before finishing his triple major at Augustana University. He became a teacher at O’Gorman High School where he taught Computers and Economics from 1988-2010. He loved golfing and was able to coach parts of the boys’ team from 1988-2014. Bill also volunteered at the Center for Active Generations teaching computer skills to seniors. Bill was active in his church where he regularly shared his beautiful singing voice. His family fondly remembers his singing at home and on road trips.

Bill is survived by Asella, his wife of 68 years, who was his partner, caregiver, and the love of his life. He is also survived by his 4 children Karen (Craig), Susan (Richard), William (Leah) and Brian (Jennifer), 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his older brother Charles
Crum. His sister Patricia Ann Stevens preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19th at Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th at Christ the King Catholic Church. Private internment will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery.