William "Billy" Van Epps, 85, of Wanamingo, MN, passed away on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by his loving family.  Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

William was born June 1, 1940, in Winner, SD, the son of William and Elsie (Armbruster) Van Epps.  From an early age, Billy lived with an impairment that impacted his life, but he never let that stop him.  Bill was a dedicated worker, on both the family farm and as a farm hand on his Uncle Elmer and Aunt Mary's cattle ranch, driving tractors through the fields, disking the soil and fertilizing, raking hay, and milking cows.  He spent half of every year with his Uncle Elmer and Aunt Mary until a year before Elmer's passing.  Bill also worked at a recycling center in Winner, SD and later in Kasson after moving to Minnesota, where he worked with machinery and sorted materials.

There were numerous activities that brightened Billy's day, whether it was Twins baseball, playing cards, turtle hunting, dancing to the Chicken Dance, playing guitar while singing, and sleeping outside (camping).  There are not many people that Billy met that don't have a keychain or placemat made by him in his spare time.  Billy's impairment didn't discourage him as he also enjoyed riding horses through the Ride Ability Program and had played on the Miracle League baseball Team.  When Billy moved to Kenyon, the community embraced him, the Kenyon Veteran Color Guard made him an honorary member and police chief Lee had brought Billy under his wing, presenting him with his own uniform and "badge".

He always saw the positive and good in the world and the people he met; his gentle soul and enthusiastic nature are what his family will miss most.  Billy was always a friend and a protector, especially of little kids.  He took great pride in how he rocked the babies and cared for the children in his life.

Billy resided with Riverview Services from 2019, until the time of his passing.  During that time, he formed a special bond with his housemates, who became his best friends.  Together, they enjoyed going out to eat, bowling, shopping, and sharing countless laughs.  Billy also attended Hillcrest Center, where he spent time with peers and participated in many of his favorite activities.  He especially loved the annual Carnival, where he enthusiastically played games, and Prom, where he could always be found dancing the day away.  One of Billy's favorite daily routines was helping staff by getting the mail each day.  Known for his playful spirit and sense of humor, Billy was a favorite among many staff members and had a special way of keeping everyone on their toes.

Billy is survived by his brother, Ralph (Cindy) Van Epps of Kenyon; brother-in-law, Ed New (and friend, Jody), nieces and nephews, Todd (Teresa) Van Epps, Scott (Sarah) Van Epps, Faye (Joy Fott) Heinis, Julie (Dan) Keils, and John (Robin) New; great-nieces and nephews, Michelle (Christopher) Aggen, Daniel (Alexandra) Van Epps, Katherine Van Epps (Jake Dreifort), William Van Epps (fiancé, Grace), Sophia New, Cynthia (Dalvin) Smith, Chelsy (Jon) Urreta, and Trevor Keils; sis great-great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary New.

In lieu of flowers the family of Billy is requesting that you direct memorials to the ROCS Dining Services located in Winner, SD.