Memorial Information for Staff of New WHS

On this page is memorial information for staff of the new WHS (1993-present)

If you know of a WHS staff member who has passed, please let us know so we can add them

  • -Allen, Paul, Sgt.

  • -Bowers, Boyd Wayne, Sgt. Major

  • -Gjoraas, Tim

  • -Keill, John

Boyd “Wayne” Bowers, Sgt. Major, ROTC Commander

  • Sgt. Bowers 71, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on August 27, 2021,

    • in an Orange Walk, Belize hospital. Interment at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Boyd “Wayne” Bowers, son of Deloss and Lillian (Pospichal) Bowers was born July 8, 1950 in Shenandoah, Iowa. He graduated from Central High School in Sioux City with the class of 1969. In that same year, Wayne began his 26 year career with the United States Army. Wayne was selected to become a member of the 3rd Ranger Company, stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia. While at Ft. Benning, he was a Ranger Instructor and also became a Drill Sergeant, ultimately being awarded Drill Sergeant of the Year for the entire United States ARMY in 1978. Wayne was united in marriage to Pok Sin Kim, “Kim", on April 30, 1975. They were blessed with three children, Steven, Kimberly and April. Following his retirement from the ARMY he became very active with the JROTC Program. He felt an immense sense of accomplishment being able to provide a good foundation for the students under his instruction. Wayne cared very much for his students and became a "second father" to many.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kim of Belize; son, Steven Bowers of Ansley, NE; daughter, April (James Dickey) Bowers of Garretson, SD; grandchildren, Beckett and Rex; brothers, Wesley (Susan) Bowers of Sioux City, IA and Douglas Bowers of Benton City, WA; sister, Cindy (Jason Lillie) Bowers of Sioux City, IA;.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Deloss and Lillian Bowers; daughter, Kimberly; and brother, Ken.

Paul Allen, Sgt. ROTC

John Henry Keill, Geography

John, age 66, passed away at Ava's House on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 after fighting Parkinson's and lung disease for several years.ohn was born December 23, 1953 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska to Dr. James and Lucile Keill. John graduated from Winona Senior High in 1972. He received his post secondary degree in 1976 from Winona State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Social Science with an emphasis in History and Sociology. John continued his education and received his Masters of Education Administration degree from South Dakota State University in 1988.On June 26th, 1982, John married Terry Thorpe in Sioux Falls, SDJohn began his teaching career in 1977 at Edison Junior High where he taught 8th grade Language Arts, Social Studies, and 9th grade Geography. When Edison went to a middle school format, John taught 6th grade Reading and Social Studies for one year before transferring to Washington High School where he became a proud Warrior staff member. John took his love of teaching to the college level where he taught U. S. and World Geography at the former Sioux Falls College. John became involved with the South Dakota Geography Alliance as a teacher consultant and later served on their Board of Directors. John was honored as the South Dakota Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 1995.He had a gift of connecting with all students; whether it was through his humor, songs, or silly poems, he taught them life lessons that stayed with them into adulthood.Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 37 years, Terry Thorpe Keill; daughter Lindsey (Michael) Keill- Mataalii of Denver, CO; son Jonathan Keill of Sioux Falls; Other survivors include his brother James Douglas (Judy) Keill of Southport, NC; two sisters, Mary Lu (Glenn) Swartz of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, and Jane Keill of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. James and Lucile Keill, infant brother David Keill, and father-in-law Dale Thorpe..

Tim Gjoraas, Science

Tim, age 45 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. He donated his body to USD Medical School, so he can continue to teach.

Tim Gjoraas was born April 29th, 1975 in Williston ND. He grew up and graduated high school in Brandon SD. Tim then went to USD in Vermillion SD for his undergrad and Masters degrees. Tim was proud of his work with S.E.R.V.E, especially with Big Pal, Little Pal organization. After college, he married Nichole Rogers and started his career at Washington High School in Sioux Falls. Tim had three wonderful children Alexis, Kia, and Kaden.. Tim met his soulmate Lisa and the two got married in 2016 and shared a love of travel

Tim was diagnosed with colon cancer in May of 2019, which forced him to retire from his teaching career in 2020. Tim left a legacy of lifelong learning, passion for life, love for people, travel, and craft beer.

Tim is survived by his wife, Lisa and three children, Alexis, Kia, and Kaden, all of Sioux Falls; his parents, Harlan and Linda Gjoraas of Brandon, SD; his brother Travis and wife Nancy.