William C. Christman, 94, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away February 6, 2024, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Bill was born February 28, 1929, in Cobban, Wisconsin to William B. and Ethel (Sharrah) Christman.  He graduated from Phillips High School and went to work at home in the cheese factory.  Bill was in the Wisconsin National Guard from 1949 - 1951 and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January of 1951.  He was an Air Force Aviation Cadet from 1952-1953, completing his pilot training in June of 1953.  During his time in the Air Force, Bill flew a number of aircrafts including the F-80, F-86, F-100, B-47 and B-52.  Bill flew many bombing missions in the B-52, during the Vietnam conflict.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, March 1, 1972 out of Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan.  He may have retired from the Air Force, but he continued to work.  He "worked in the woods", did some excavating and trucking and eventually went back to the air base at the B-52 flight simulator as a console operator and finally as a site manager, until the base closed in 1993.

Bill met his wife, Bobbie, while stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base and they were married in Bangor, ME July 13, 1968.  Their family grew to include 3 children; Bill, Patrick and Anne.

While still back in Oscoda, Michigan, when he was not busy being a "Horse Show Dad' and hauling his kids and their horses to horse shows, he enjoyed working in the woods and fishing out on Lake Huron with his good buddy, Chuck Larson.

After moving to Hot Springs, South Dakota in 1993, (which he said was the smartest thing he and Bobbie ever did), they enjoyed exploring the Black Hills on horseback with a small group of other "horse friends".  He also got back into pheasant hunting, an activity he enjoyed doing as a kid with his dad.  He volunteered many years for the Minnekahta Volunteer Fire Department and was a parish member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.  He helped keep the church rectory lawn looking nice and tidy over the years.  Most recently, he also helped with maintaining the grounds of Cold Springs School and Cemetery.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bobbie; children, Bill (Dave Naden) Christman, Patrick (Rachelle) Christman and Anne (Joel Blohm) Christman.  He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Mary.

Christian Funeral Vigil will be held 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 1, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD.

Christian Funeral Committal will be held at 12:30 P.M. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Cold Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Minnekahta Volunteer Fire Department, 24701 Valley Road, Hot Springs, SD, 57747 or St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 538 University Ave, Hot Springs, SD, 57747.