Bill Ricklef was born in Brookings, South Dakota on August 4, 1944. He was the youngest of 4 born to Bill and Lyda Ricklef. He was promoted to life on December 31, 2015.

Bill was a very loving husband to his wife, Marti, of 39 years. He not only loved his wife greatly, but also loved his family, and his many dogs over the years. He loved old cars and his red Corvette, and was involved in several car clubs. He loved to show some of his cars at local car shows also.

Most of all Bill loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with all his heart. He took every opportunity to talk with others about the Lord and share a message of salvation to those who would listen. He knew it was the greatest gift he could give to anyone. Due to the Lord's never ending grace, he was a recovered alcoholic of 32 years; so he knew first hand what grace God had extended to him when he saved him.

His career covered many fields. He started as a barber, a computer programmer, a postman, a Foursquare minister, and even taught computers to the young people at a Christian school for a while.

Bill was very loving, a meticulous planner, quick witted, funny and a good loyal friend. He was very artistic in that he painted pictures and did some witty writing from time to time. He loved to create model cars also.

He was also a great husband, father and grandfather over the years. He is survived by his wife Marti; son Steve West; daughter Kristin and son in law Jon Lorenzen; sister Donna Prevost; grandchildren Jake, Daniel, Tyler, Kyle, Joely, Kassidy and Dezi.