January 21, 2015

William Jerome Jonas Jr. passed away Dec. 15, 2014, at his home at Fort Randall, S.D., surrounded by family. William was born May 8, 1938, to William Sr. and Lauretta (Kirwan) Jonas.
He grew up in Gregory, S.D., where he attended the Catholic School and Gregory High School. He graduated in 1956 and went on to attend the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, S.D.
He married Norma Jean Vedral Aug. 31, 1957. To this union four children were born: Danita, Denice, Julie and William III.
During the early years of their marriage William worked heavy construction and the family moved to Kansas City, Kan., Jasper, Texas, and Claremore, Okla. In 1969, the family moved to Pleasanton, Kan., where William and Norma started Landmark Surveying Co. and Jonas Vintage Auto.
In 1995, William and Norma moved to Fort Randall and took over operation of Jonas’ Eagle Roost Ranch. William enjoyed working on the ranch, restoring antique cars and spending time with his family and friends. He was very involved with youth deer hunting and had numerous youths come to the ranch for their first hunting experience.
He is survived by his children: Danita Snyder and husband Larry of Pleasanton, Kan., Denice Umbarger and husband Bruce of Pickstown, S.D., Julie Hartung and husband Dennis of Hutchinson, Kan., and William III of Independence, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Tristan Snyder, Darla Snyder, Bryce Hartung and Kenlee Jonas. Also surviving is one brother John Jonas and wife Wanda of Laurel, Neb., and their children Michael, Martin, Matthew and Cindy and their families.
He was preceded in death by his wife Norma (Vedral) and his parents William Sr. and Lauretta (Kirwan) Jonas.
Funeral services will be held Jan. 24, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gregory, S.D., at 10 a.m. There will be a noon meal and fellowship immediately following at Mary Vale Hall.