William Downey

William Edward Downey

November 16, 1932 – May 21, 2021

William (Bill) Edward Downey, 88, passed peacefully into the arms of our Savior on May 21, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family at home after a brief battle with cancer.

Bill, youngest son of the late Joseph Downey and Stella (Bach) Downey, was born November 16, 1932, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and was a veteran of the United States Army. Bill and his wife, Irene, settled in Northern Michigan in the 1960s to raise their children, later settling in Rapid City. Bill, a devoted union supporter, experienced a successful career as a machinist, moving on later to spend his remaining employed years at Munson Medical Center before retiring in his 70s. Known by everyone he met as a hard worker always willing to lend a hand to anyone, he was the true patriarch of his family, setting an example of industriousness, dedication, and integrity. Bill was a skilled gardener and talented handyman, and enjoyed taking long walks with his dearly departed dogs, Candy and Izzy, traveling throughout the Midwest with his wife, and spending time with his family and his cherished cats, Tom and Jerry.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughters Margaret (Greg) Potvin and Elizabeth Downey.

Bill is survived by his beloved “Blossom,” his wife, Irene (Hemmi) Downey, of 67 years; his children, William Jr., Linda (Mark) Hansen, David (Laura) Downey, and Paul (Tina) Downey; his grandchildren Timothy (Melissa) Potvin, Laura (Brian) Acker, Rebecca (Dan) Seyler, Katie Bedard, Michael (April) Downey, Marsea (Aaron) Walters, Eric Downey, Amanda Downey, Mark Hansen II, William Hansen, and Emma Downey; his great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Brian, Logan, Julia, Makenzi, Logan, Megan, Oliver, Alannah, AJ, Sereniti, and Ella; and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 4 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Life Story Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Munson Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family has requested masks be worn over the nose and mouth at the funeral home even if you have been vaccinated. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts with the family.