Carlton Whetsel, formerly of Clark, passed away on January 28, 2026, at Edgewood Prairie Crossing in Watertown at the age of 86.  His presence will be profoundly missed, yet his memory will forever live on through the many lives he touched. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at New Life Evangelical Free Church in Watertown, SD at 10:00 a.m. A meal and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service, at the church. Interment will take place at Telemarken Cemetery in rural Wallace, SD. Visitation will be held the evening prior, Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Furness Funeral Home in Clark. A time of sharing will begin at 7:30pm that evening. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a man whose heart was as vast as the sky he so loved to fly.

Carlton "Carl" Whetsel, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 28, 2026, in Watertown, South Dakota, at the age of 86. Born on October 18, 1939, in Clark, South Dakota, to Don and Doris Whetsel, Carl was the sixth of eight children, growing up amid the expansive fields and rural charm of the Garden City area. His early life was marked by the values of family and hard work instilled by his parents.

Carl's educational journey began at Thorpe High School, from which he graduated in 1957. He pursued higher education at Northern State University, earning a teaching degree in 1962 before answering the call of duty. He enlisted in the Navy, where he attended officer candidate school and served as a pilot, dedicating eight years of his life to protecting the skies. In 1971, after his military career, Carl transitioned to civilian aviation as an airline pilot with North Central Airlines, a position he held with pride until his retirement from Delta in 1999.

On September 2, 1961, Carl married the love of his life, June Wasland, after a charming encounter at a basketball game during her junior year in high school. Their 64 year union was a beautiful testament to unwavering love and partnership. Carl was wholly devoted to June, and their bond remained strong even during the challenges of their later years together. In fact, many who knew them believe he left this earth to be with her. They were faithful members of their church community, playing instrumental roles in founding New Life Church in Watertown, South Dakota, where their shared faith flourished.

Carl found joy not only in his work and spirituality but also in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for collecting classic cars, engaging in lively card games with friends, and nurturing his beloved garden. There was a special sparkle in his eyes when it came to his grandchildren, as he relished teasing them and creating cherished memories. Carl’s family, including his two sons Timothy (Laura) Whetsel and Todd (Jessi) Whetsel, his grandchildren Aleshia, Jenna, Carly, Alec, Brady, Baylee, Elijah, and Emory, as well as his great-grandchildren AvaMarie, Marguerite, Josephine, Genevieve, and John, were so loved by him.

Carl is preceded in death by his beloved wife, June Louise (Wasland) Whetsel, who now rests alongside him in spirit. He also joins his parents, Don and Doris Whetsel, and his siblings Roland, Ivan, Katherine, Donnie, and Barbara in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Watertown Memory Care Support Group.