Dear Alice, So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Visiting you and Bill in your shop was always a highlight of my husband’s and my visits to Rapid City to visit Steve’s parents. And Bill’s photographs of the Big Horn survivors and the Lakota Moons are the centerpieces of the dining room in our home in New Jersey. Sending you love and condolences, and I will keep you in my prayers. Love, Kate Gordon Cox.

Posted by Kate Gordon Cox on January 2, 2021

Dear Groethe family, So sad to read about Bill’s passing. I still picture him down on the docks at Angostura Running his boat, What fun times. He lived life to the fullest , I know you will miss him terribly. Praying for you all. Blessings, LeeAnn

Posted by LeeAnn Rieman on December 31, 2020

Alice & family, Our family sends our very deep condolences to you and your family. We last saw Bill in July as he & his children were assisting him in clearing First Photo’s building. We tried to always visit him & you when we were back in town just to see Bill’s eyes light up & a smile break out on his face, as he knew that many remembered & admired his many accomplishments including photographs of Mt Rushemore, Indian Leaders, & his marvelous images of the “Badlands Moons”. I was privileged to nominate Bill as a Rushmore Honors Honoree & then honored to photograph him with Mt Rushemore behind him when he was selected to be so Honored for his lifetime of work photographing people, places, & events in the Black Hills area during his almost Century of fine photographic accomplishments. These accomplishments include developing & printing photographic works of others, including myself. We are also privileged to have hanging on the walls of our home one of his gorgeous “Badlands Moons” prints. While he eventually accepted the art of printing digital photograph, his heart was always with images mastered from film. I use to chuckle under my breath as he would ask me, with a gleam in his eyes, if I was still digital or if I had finely move back to film. Assuring me that nothing was as fine or artistic as a print from film. We will miss him & his insistence that he was always right. He was a true Master of his Art! Ed & Joan Matuska & family.

Posted by Edgar W. & Joan Matuska on December 29, 2020

My wife Fran and I extend our sympathy to Alice and the family. Bill was always "larger than life" to me whenever I would see him in his shop. No matter what I'd cook up as photographic media, I could count on him and Alice to get it done for me. My last little project with him was developing some 4 x 5 negatives. With his passing, I ordered a tank to develop these myself. Bill was a person truly dedicated to equity for humanity. He was a believer in fairness, and in generosity. I will miss him. I am happier and more hopeful in life because I knew him.

Posted by Richard Stracqualursi on December 28, 2020

Alice & Family, I am deeply saddened to read of Bill’s passing. We have lost a great South Dakota treasure with his passing. He was a ‘one of a kind human being’ and His passion for his photography was obvious. I am a proud owner of his Reunion of the Sioux Survivors of the Battle of the Little Bighorn photo series that are proudly displayed at the Dakotah Steakhouse. I have many fond memories of my visits with him over the years. I know that Bill will be missed by all whom have had the pleasure of knowing him. May He Rest In Peace!

Posted by Phil Lampert on December 26, 2020

It has been an honor to be of Bill’s photofinishing customers. We customers were all treated like part of the family. Thanks to Bill and Alice and their family for their kind service, the many good stories shared while visiting the First Photo shop, and leaving us with our albums full of carefully-printed photos and our own family memories.

Posted by Andy Detwiler on December 24, 2020

To the entire Groethe family I send my deepest sympathy to you all. Bill was that neighbor everyone always dreams of having! The kindness he extended with just a simple wave and a smile, every time I'd see him is one of my most treasured memories. Bill was one of the good guys and he will be greatly missed by so many. God bless you all through this difficult time.

Posted by Melanie Stevens (Dusek) on December 24, 2020

It was a privilege to work for you in the early 1970s. I enjoy many fond memories of Rapid Film Service and Qualitone Photo. Your life was an inspiration to me and countless others. Thank you, Bill. -Stu-

Posted by Stu Marty on December 24, 2020

Bill will have a permanent and lasting impression on me. His passion for photography truly astounded me and reminds me to not give up on that skill set that I long have admired and cultivated. He had this powerful energy that has this familiar heritage and longevity. Qualities that are more difficult to find in newer generations. His family is a true representation of his morale, kindness, and talent that will live on for the test of time. I am incredibly thankful to have been in his presence and to witness the wisdom he so willingly offered in his living room. My deepest condolences and everlasting love goes to his family as he transcends to the next chapter in his life. -Jack

Posted by Anonymous on December 23, 2020

My deepest sympathy to all Bill’s family. You are in my thoughts & prayers. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thanks to him for all he did for Black Hills History through his wonderful photography.

Posted by Ruth Ann Karlen on December 23, 2020

Dear family of Bill, It was such an amazing life he lived. The displays of his photographic craftsmanship at our Regional Airport, and his historic photos of our past Native leaders and tribal members are only two instances of his life's work being revered and admired by all who've been lucky enough to see them. He took "large format" photography to a new level, and the rest of us are the beneficiaries of his hard work. He (and you) developed a lot of film for the Munsons over the decades, and we always appreciated the quality and friendliness of each experience with your lab. He had a long and well-lived life, and will be remembered fondly and with admiration and gratitude.

Posted by Jerry Munson on December 23, 2020