Bill Gene Hirchert, 69, of Piedmont, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in rural Potter County. He was born on November 20, 1956, to Mildred McRoberts and Richard Hirchert in Butte County, South Dakota.

Bill attended school in Piedmont and Sturgis and grew up learning the arts of hunting and fishing—passions that would remain with him throughout his life. While working at a steel plant in northern Minnesota, Bill met his future wife, Terry Tveit. On their first date, Bill told Terry he was going to marry her, and he kept his word! The two were married in Minnesota before returning to Piedmont, where they would spend the next 45 years building a life together. Their love continued to grow over the years, with Bill expressing his affection through heartfelt, handmade cards and poems. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Brandie Jo and Heathe.

In 1981, Bill began his career with Mac Construction Company in Rapid City. He started at the bottom and worked his way up, with his boots on the ground and a tool belt around his waist every step of the way. Throughout his career, he earned numerous Master Craftsmen awards, a testament to his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic. He retired in 2023 as superintendent, a title he earned through years of hard work and perseverance.

Away from the job site, Bill was most at home in his shop. Wherever he went, his girl—his beloved dog, Trigger—was never far behind, whether in the garage or out on a hunt. Bill had a remarkably creative mind; if he saw something he liked, he could build it, and he often did. His woodworking projects were his love language, with each handmade creation serving as a special gift for the people who meant the most to him.

Bill took great pride in coaching his son, Heathe, and the other boys on the Stagebarn Elementary Stallions basketball team, even bringing home championship trophies with his team. He loved to laugh, joke, and poke fun, but he also always looked out for others, lending a helping hand whenever he could and cheering for the underdog. When he wasn’t in his shop, he could often be found relaxing in his man cave with NASCAR or golf on the television. He also cherished his special hunting trips with his good friend, Lonny.

Bill spent his life living the high life, in every sense of the phrase. Whether he was hunting, fishing on Black Betty, four-wheeling, creating something in his shop, playing in his weekly poker games, or simply spending time with Trigger, Bill knew how to enjoy the things he loved. Above all, however, his greatest happiness came from spending time with his favorite people: his wife, his children, and his treasured granddaughters, Cecilia and Maren, who lovingly called him “Gramps.” He also cherished the many family members and friends who became part of his life along the way.

For Bill, living the high life was never about having more; it was about making the most of every moment. His life was built on hard work, good laughs, a little adventure, and a whole lot of love—a life well lived and one that will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to share in it.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include his wife, Terry; his daughter, Brandie Jo, and her children, Cecilia and Maren; his son, Heathe, and his wife, Dana; his brother, Dave (Lisa); his brother, Mike, and nieces, Becky, Milanne, and Nicole; his sister, Laura (Paul), and niece, Brenna; extended family members Chonticha and her sons, Neal and Aiden; brothers-in-law Larry (Michelle), Brian (MJ), and Bruce (Kris); and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Richard Hirchert; his brother, Shawn; and his sister, Julie.

A celebration of life, with a luncheon to follow, will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Piedmont American Legion Post 311, located at 101 Pine Street in Piedmont, South Dakota.