William “Billy” L. Van Epps, 85, of Wanamingo, died on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 1, 1940, in Winner, SD, the son of William and Elsie (Armbruster) Van Epps. From an early age, Billy lived with an impairment that impacted his life, but he never let that stop him. Billy was a dedicated worker, on both the family farm and as a farm hand on his Uncle Elmer and Aunt Mary’s cattle ranch, driving tractors through the fields, disking the soil and fertilizing, raking hay, and milking cows. He spent half of every year with his Uncle Elmer and Aunt Mary until a year before Elmer’s passing. Billy also worked at a recycling center in Winner, SD and later in Kasson after moving to Minnesota, where he worked with machinery and sorted materials.

There were numerous activities that brightened Billy's day, whether it was Twins baseball, playing cards, turtle hunting, dancing to the Chicken Dance, playing guitar while singing, and sleeping outside (camping). There are not many people that Billy met that don’t have a keychain or placemat made by him in his spare time. Billy's impairment didn't discourage him as he also enjoyed riding horses through the RideAbility Program and had played on the Miracle League Baseball Team. When Billy moved to Kenyon, the community embraced him, the Kenyon Veteran Color Guard made him a honorary member and police chief Lee had brought Billy under his wing, presenting him with his own uniform and “badge”.

He always saw the positive and good in the world and the people he met; his gentle soul and enthusiastic nature are what his family will miss most. Billy was always a friend and a protector, especially of little kids. He took great pride in how he rocked the babies and cared for the children in his life.

Billy resided with Riverview Services from 2019, until the time of his passing. During that time, he formed a special bond with his housemates, who became his best friends. Together, they enjoyed going out to eat, bowling, shopping, and sharing countless laughs. Billy also attended Hillcrest Center, where he spent time with peers and participated in many of his favorite activities. He especially loved the annual Carnival, where he enthusiastically played games, and Prom, where he could always be found dancing the day away. One of Billy’s favorite daily routines was helping staff by getting the mail each day. Known for his playful spirit and sense of humor, Billy was a favorite among many staff members and had a special way of keeping everyone on their toes.

He is survived by his brother, Ralph (and Cindy) Van Epps of Kenyon; brother-in-law, Ed New (and friend, Jody); nieces and nephews, Todd (and Teresa) Van Epps, Scott (and Sarah) Van Epps, Faye (and Joy Fott) Heinis, Julie (and Dan) Keils, and John (and Robin) New; great-nieces and nephews, Michelle (and Christopher) Aggen, Daniel (and Alexandra) Van Epps, Katherine Van Epps (and Jake Dreifort), William Van Epps (fiancé, Grace), Sophia New, Cynthia (and Dalvin) Smith, Chelsy (and Jon) Urreta, and Trevor Keils; six great-great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary New.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Kenyon with a visitation from 2pm until the time of service.