Wilbur J. “Willie” Ching, son of William Henry Rowe Ching and Anne (Jardine) Ching, was born February 2, 1920, on the family farm near Castlewood, South Dakota. He grew up there and received his education in rural school and graduated from Castlewood High School. He then worked on the family farm before enlisting in the Army-Air Force on April 8, 1942. He was assigned to the 385th Fighter Squadron, serving as a Master Sergeant where he was in charge of the 385th armament. He was discharged on November 15, 1945, and returned to the family farm. Willie was united in marriage to Wilma Stahl at First Presbyterian Church in Castlewood on September 28, 1948. They continued to farm near Castlewood and he was still involved in helping his son Roger on the farm. Willie died on Thursday, May 28, 2009, in Watertown at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 26 days.

He was a life long member of First Presbyterian Church, was a member of the American Legion for 64 years, was a member of the Watertown Milk Producers where he served on the board and also served on the Castlewood School Board for 16 years. Willie enjoyed gardening, taking care of fruit trees and spending time with his family and friends.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Wilma of Castlewood; their children, Cheryl Beckler and her husband Jerry and Jeanne Everson and her husband Wayne, all of Sioux Falls, Roger Ching and his wife Linda of Castlewood, Janet Johnson and her husband Steve of Watertown; 13 grandchildren, Christy Ching, Tim Beckler and his wife Carrie, David Everson, Angie Beckler, Brian Voight and his wife Tami, Laura Everson, Steve Beckler, Chad, Craig and Todd Voight, Rachel Hughes and Lucas and Adam Ching; two great grandsons, Daniel Voight and William Beckler; one sister, Lois Goldhorn of Castlewood; one brother, Melvin “Dick” Ching and his wife Hazel of Watertown; two brothers-in-law, Ernie Olson and his wife Marilyn of Watertown, Clem Sonntag of Janesville, WI; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by one grandson; his parents; four sisters, Mary, Helen, Margaret and Phyllis; and two brothers, Howard and Hugh.