William Safley

William “Bill” Safley, 74, of Peterson passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, at First Presbyterian Church in Paullina, with Pastor Jeremy Lou officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Prairie View Cemetery in Paullina. Eldridge Family Funeral Home in Paullina is in charge of arrangements.

William (Bill) was born second in a family of four children to Bob and Fran Safley on April 5, 1950. Bill grew up on the family farm southeast of Cooper. He participated in bailing hay and the usual chores, but especially liked working the cattle to be shown at the county and state fairs. Breaking calves to lead and hours of grooming rewarded him with many ribbons and a champion crossbred steer.

When Bill was nine or 10, he had to get glasses, which changed his world. He remarked finally knowing that those flying specs in the sky were simply birds.

Bill’s mom always said he needed activities to burn off energy and was encouraged to play sports. He participated in football, baseball, softball, track and golf; he was quite good at all of them. He also participated in 4-H and developed many positive qualities and made many lifelong friendships that lasted until his passing.

Out of all the activities his mom and dad got him to partake in was his music; he had a real special talent. His parents insisted he play each piece of music he was learning three times a day. As an older teen, these practices didn’t sometimes start until 11-12 at night. Bill played for the high school band, jazz band and Bill Riley’s State Fair Talent Show. “Autumn Leaves” and “Clair de Lune” are among the family’s favorites that he played. 

When graduation came, Bill was very nervous about getting into veterinary school at Iowa State University. At the time, there were only so many students accepted. He went to the mailbox everyday for weeks until his acceptance letter arrived. 

After many late nights studying and having more fun than he would like to admit, Bill graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine (and practiced for 45 years). He eventually landed in Peterson and met the love of his life, Holli, through family friends Bruce and Cile Beecroft. They were married for 41 years, raised two kids, Matt and Erin, and many pets during that time before Holli’s passing. 

While the kids were growing up and even after as an empty-nester, he avidly gardened, pampered the yard and often took outdoor Christmas decor too far, winning yard of the month and first place in the annual town Christmas light contest multiple times. 

He loved driving and adventures; he particularly loved finding creative ways to get lost or distantly detoured on family trips with Holli and the kids.

Bill was a loyal father with a big heart, supporting his kids through their many activities and even later in their careers. That heart was also felt by all around him. He poured love into all his relationships — you could see it in every interaction he had. Family, friends, co-workers, clients and even strangers. He had a knack of being able to put a smile on the face of anyone and make them feel special. 

He gave back many times over to the community and church. Bill continued to graciously share the musical gifts God gave him and played the piano with the Linn Grove church praise team for many years, right up until his passing. 

Bill was a devoted believer in Christ and sharing the Lord’s word was very important to him. He attended Bible study multiple times a week and mentored a group of middle schoolers at Awana’s; these acts provided a lot of solace and comfort for him. All the lessons learned over the years from being involved with his church community, passed on to others around him. When he said “God Bless You,” he meant it with all his heart. 

He loved his family dearly and stuck by their side through their most trying times. He will be missed not only by his family, but friends, classmates, co-workers and clients, with whom he established many lifelong relationships. 

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Holli; and parents, Bob and Fran Safley.

Bill is survived by his children: Erin (Mike) Drew of Colman, S.D., and Matt (Sergio Reyes) Safley of St. Louis, Mo.; grandchild Evelynn Drew of Colman, S.D.; siblings: Bob (Connie) Safley of Lindon; Tom (Lorna) Safley of Jefferson; Ann (Alan) Frederick of Jefferson; and Bruce and Cile Beecroft of Sioux Falls, S.D.; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.