LANTRY, SD – Lincoln (Bill) Eugene McGill, 86, of Lantry, SD passed from this world to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on April 10, 2026 in Brookings, SD. Remembered as a lifelong rancher with a deep respect for cattle, horses, and the land, known for his dedication to working from before sunrise to long after dark. He was born to parents Edmund & Frances McGill (Yusko), February 12th 1940 at the home place south of Lantry, SD. Bill attended Ziebach (Rosene) country school south of Lantry, SD from grades 1-8 and a year at both Dupree and Faith schools in there as well. He had enough of school and realized his calling as a Rancher and stopped school and became a full time Rancher and Cowboy.

He married the true love of his life Irene Hellekson of Faith, SD November 8th 1972 and they settled on the family ranch south of Lantry, SD where they had lived together for 49 years until Irene passed away in 2021. He stayed on the Ranch for the last 4 years with daughter Tammy and traveled around the states to visit all his beloved grandkids. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steady hands, his warm smile or frown, and the love he had for his family and friends. He was patient, kind and always – without hesitation – willing to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by his earthly family but will be welcomed home by his beautiful wife and heavenly family. Grateful for having shared in Bill’s life is his 4 children, Grant (Connie) McGill of Elkton, SD. Tammy McGill-Bennett of Lantry SD, Anita (Matthew) Dutton of Cottonwood, AZ, Lance (Farah) McGill of Fort Hood TX, and honorary son Joe (Larissa) Wishard of Belvidere, SD; 11 grandchildren, TaeReigh, Kylund, Leauna, Alayziah, Kaliya, Tristan, Wesley, Levi, Wyatt, Yaretzi and Adrik, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Irene McGill, by 2 sons, Justin McGill and Shane McGill, his parents Edmund and Frances McGill, twin granddaughters Carly Faye and Elaine Rose, son-in-law Roger Bennett, 4 sisters, Jacqueline (Jackie) Roberts, Jeraldine (Jerry) Walenta, Hazel Calio, Frances Heilman, and 1 brother Michael McGill.

Bill embodied the true spirit of being a rancher, farmer and cowboy. He pursued his life passion of ranching and farming. Bill woke up every morning ready to spend time in a field of hay or in a pasture with a herd of cattle. This always filled his heart with pride and happiness. He was passionate about living his life every day and did so successfully with hard work and a smile. He was a kind and loving husband, father and brother, an extraordinary special Grandpa, as well as a loyal friend until the end. His love for his family and grandkids was as large as his passion for life. He was extremely proud of each and every one of them. His love for his friends was no different. Bill will live in our hearts forever and be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation and Rosary Service will be held at 10am (MST) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dupree, SD, followed by the funeral service at 11am (MST). The burial will take place directly after the funeral service at the Lantry cemetery.

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