William Albert Lawrenson, 90, of Beresford, SD died May 6, 2014 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born November 6, 1923, the eighth of nine children, to Christopher and Margaret (Hamann) Lawrenson in Creighton, SD. Bill was drafted into the US Army March 10, 1943. He served with the 7th Army, 45th Division as an anti-tank gunner. He was honorably discharged, after serving 21 months, on October 28, 1945 at the rank of Corporal when the war ended. He served in Southern France, Italy, North Africa and Central Europe. Bill was awarded a Silver Star, five Battle Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Bronze Arrowhead. He worked at Sioux Steam Corporation in Beresford, SD for 43 years as a fabrication welder. Bill retired at the age of 62 but worked part time until the age of 65. Bill married Mildred Tiltrum June 30, 1948. They were married for nearly 55 years at the time of her death in 2003. He had three sons, Merle (Connie) of Austin, CO, Melvin (Lori) of Omaha, NE and Marlin (Melissa) of Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Brett Lawrenson, Dustin Lawrenson, Trista Lawrenson and Dewey Lawrenson; seven great-grandchildren, Braxton, Ryker, Tayson, Brooklyn, Lillian, Thad and Talen; sisters-in-law, Valonta (Dale) Cleland of Beresford and Betty Lawrenson of Beresford and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, Lillian Kribell, Carrie Snoozy, Lawrence "Tiny", Kathryn, Clarence, Martin, Emma Wagter and Clifford, and one great-grandson, Michael. Bill loved playing cards all of his life, as well as fishing, camping and dancing. In his later years he loved following the Minnesota Twins baseball and the Minnesota Vikings football teams. He was best known and loved for his wit and great sense of humor. Bill was well liked and will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Bethesda Nursing Home assisted care for making his last years comfortable and enjoyable. Funeral services will be 10AM Monday, May 12, 2014 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford. Visitation will be 4-8PM Sunday at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with the family present from 6-8PM.