William “Bill” Rubendall

Dates

Obituary

William “Bill” Richard Rubendall, affectionately known to many as Billy, passed away on June 19, 2026, in his hometown of Mitchell, South Dakota. He was born on September 8, 1942, in Mitchell to Elmer J. “Babe” Rubendall and Gertrude (Looby) Rubendall.

A live stream of Bill's funeral mass can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/Trhc6Bb7IU0?si=MupYc3xAcczQf-dm

Bill was raised in Artesian, South Dakota, alongside his brother, Jerome “Jerry” Patrick Rubendall, in a close-knit family surrounded by a large circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped shape his values and character. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1960 and went on to attend the University of South Dakota.

In 1962, Bill married Trisha Bunt, and they moved to their home north of Mitchell where they raised three children. In 2002, Bill married Jayne Webster Mayer, and they shared nearly 24 years together, enjoying the gardens, back deck, and family time at their home in Mitchell.

From an early age, Bill’s life was rooted in hard work and stewardship of the land. In 1954, he and his brother Jerry assumed responsibility for operating the family-owned Rubendall Cattle Company in Sanborn County and, for a time, in Dewey County. Together, they built and sustained a highly successful cattle operation for more than 70 years, often under challenging circumstances. Bill took immense pride in his work and was a dedicated South Dakotan who believed strongly in sustainable land management and the preservation of wildlife habitat.

Bill also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service and his community. He was a charter member of Horsemen’s Sports, Inc., an organization that has long supported equestrian, 4-H, and rodeo activities in the region. He served on the Letcher Public School Board for 17 years, from 1969 to 1986, where he had the unique honor of awarding a high school diploma to each of his three children. Bill later served on the Mitchell City Council from 1994 to 2006, representing Ward 3. During his tenure, he supported important initiatives including efforts to stabilize the city’s water supply through the Missouri River pipeline project, the new Mitchell Outdoor Aquatic Center, the renovation of the James Valley Community Center and major economic development projects, including Cabela’s, Prairie Ethanol and AKG Manufacturing. He was also a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for many years.

Bill had a lifelong love of sports that began with his participation in football, basketball and track during his school years and continued throughout his life. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their many activities. He especially enjoyed following the State B Basketball tournaments and the Howard Wood Relays, and cheering on his favorite teams, including the Letcher Tigers, USD Women’s Basketball, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Above all, Bill was a devoted, loyal, and loving family man. He was a proud father to Suzy Rubendall Jaeger (Gary), Jim Rubendall (Renee), and Nancy Rubendall Taphorn (Keith). He found great joy in watching his family grow and cherished his role as a grandfather to Katy Jaeger Cole (Matt), Tommy Jaeger (Hannah), Matthew Taphorn (Megan), Maggie Jaeger Kazemian (Camran), Carly Taphorn, Charlie Rubendall (Audrey), and Joe Rubendall. His pride only deepened as he became a great-grandfather to Claire Cole, Jack Cole, Amelia Taphorn, Annie Cole, and Welles Jaeger, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Bill is also survived by his brother, Jerry Rubendall, and his nephews and niece, Pat Rubendall, Ann Rubendall Sidner (Sam), John Rubendall (Kim) and Jayne’s children, Mike (Tina) Mayer, Matthew (Kathy) Mayer, and Max (Caylee) Mayer.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister-in-law, Kay Rubendall; and numerous beloved relatives whose guidance and influence remained with him throughout his life.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Mitchell Fire/EMS; the Emergency Department, ICU and Medical Unit staff at Avera Queen of Peace; and the staff at Avera Brady Rehab for their compassionate care and support during Bill’s final days. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Visitation will take place from 5-7:00 PM on Thursday, June 25 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 26, at Holy Family Catholic Church. A private burial will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the Holy Family Liturgical Decorating Fund, in honor of Bill Rubendall. Gifts can be made at www.MitchellCatholic.org/ministries/giving or sent to Holy Family Catholic Church, 222 North Kimball Street, Mitchell, SD, 57301.

Bill’s legacy will live on through the family he cherished. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his witty sense of humor, his many funny stories, jokes, and Billy-isms. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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