William A. "Bill" Flattum

William A. Flattum, age 73 of Yankton, SD passed away October 4, 2016 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Rev. Teresa Jacobson officiating with visitations being held one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories, Yankton, SD. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

William Andrew Flattum was born on August 4, 1943 at Bartron Hospital in Watertown, SD to Andrew C. Flattum and Edna E. (nee Fischer) Flattum.

Bill was joined by his brother Melvin, in 1944 and brother, Richard in 1946. The family moved to Waubay, then Sioux Falls, before settling on the Hellwig farm 6 miles east of Menno. Bill’s education began in a one-room school one mile east of home, which he walked to his first two and a half years of school. The family moved to the Emil Ott farm, southwest of Menno for the rest of Bill’s third grade year, attending Olivet Public School. The family settled in Menno at the start of Bill’s fourth grade year. He graduated from Menno High School in 1961.

During his school years, Bill, being big and strong for his age, started working when he was 10 years old. He had a morning paper route, worked at the Roxy Theater, sweeping floors and later promoted to projectionist. He often hired out to farmers as a laborer for all types of farm work. He was also hired weekly by the bread and milk truck delivery men to stock the four grocery stores in town.

Bill loved sports and still found time to play baseball when games could be found. He played high school football until sidelined by a knee injury in his sophomore year.

After graduation, Bill attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion for almost a year. He found holding two jobs to pay his way left too little time for studying. He returned to the Menno and Yankton areas. He worked at the Yankton State Hospital for 10 years and part-time for Klaudt’s Service in Menno. He eventually went full time at Klaudt’s Service, putting in 50 plus years there, retiring June 5, 2012.

Bill met his longtime girlfriend, Lillian (Pete) Georgeson in 1963. They remained devoted companions for over 52 years. They attended all varieties of sporting events and concerts. They always made time to visit family and friends, often traveling to Washington State to visit his brothers’ families and attend his nephews’ and nieces’ sporting events. Bill had a big heart and was very compassionate.

Bill always had a passion for fast and nice cars. He owned many new cars that are now considered classics.

Bill is survived by his longtime companion, Lillian Georgeson of Yankton, SD; his mother, Edna Schoppert of Yankton, SD; brother, Melvin of Renton, WA and brother, Richard and his sister-in-law, Debbie, of Lilliwaup, WA, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew C. Flattum and his stepfather, Ben Schoppert.