On January 13, 2020 Bill McGrath passed peacefully from the loving arms of his wife and children into the waiting arms of Jesus. Although his absence is immense, the imprint Bill left on those who knew him is far greater.

Bill was born in Deadwood, South Dakota to William, Sr. and Patricia McGrath on January 29, 1953. He grew up in Spearfish and felt blessed to call it his home. He met the love of his life Sue Perkovich at the age of seventeen and they were married on August 10, 1974.

Bill and Sue finished their educations at Black Hills State University and made their home in Spearfish. Bill went to work for Pope and Talbot where he worked until his retirement earning the respect and adoration of those who worked with him. To Bill and Sue two children were born, a son, Ryan and a daughter, Abby. Although Bill's accomplishments were many, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Although there are no words to truly do him justice and even though Bill hated any fanfare to do with himself, Bill left a legacy and an imprint on this earth that will never fade.

Bill truly was one of a kind. He was a man of integrity and was always a compass guiding his family. He was the first one to lend a helping hand, and his generous spirit often had him picking up the tab for strangers at restaurants, buying a hefty amount of raffle tickets, boy scout popcorn, girl scout cookies (he loved cookie season), or any other fundraiser item the neighborhood kids were selling. He led by example, never hesitating to be the first one to get his hands dirty and fix whatever problem came to pass. He taught his family to always be someone that people can depend on, or in the words of Bill, "be somebody that they would want in their foxhole". He worked hard to provide for his family and always put their needs ahead of his own, always making sure everyone else was taken care of. He loved his family with such force and made sure he said it all the time. Bill's three grandchildren were the light of his life. He could often be found playing with Tess and Lauren any game that they desired, no matter how embarrassing it was for Grampy. This included painted toenails and various crowns and accessories. He loved hanging out in his shop with Tate, drinking chocolate milk and in the word's of Bill, "trading I don't cares" and "talking shop". When he wasn't with his family, Bill could be found working in his shop, or out in the Black Hills going for a drive, hunting, fishing or having a beer with one of the many people who loved him.

Although Bill was faced with a great trial at the end of his time here on earth, he faced each day with an unfathomable courage and strength. He never complained and his deep faith in the Lord kept him strong. He was a proud member of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church.

Those that are grateful to have shared in his life are his soul mate, Sue (Spearfish), son Ryan and his wife Alissa whom Bill considered his second daughter, their precious girls Tess and Lauren (Gillette), daughter Abby and her husband Cole whom Bill considered his second son, and their son, Tate, or "little scamp" as Grampy would call him (Spearfish).

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, nephew Paul and his beloved dog, Joe.

The vigil will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 17th at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 18th at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m.. Burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with a luncheon afterward. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com