Dallas Wheeler, of Watertown, passed away on December 5, 2025, at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Furness Funeral Home in Clark. A Celebration of Dallas's life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Second Street Station in Watertown from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., with family and friends sharing memories and holding a program at 5:30 p.m.  A time of fellowship and a meal will also be served during the celebration of Dallas’s life.

Dallas was born in Clark, South Dakota on May 12, 1942, to Elmo and Mabel (Schubloom) Wheeler and shared a birthdate with his twin sister, Diane. The twins were the youngest of nine children and grew up on the family farm near Raymond, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and the deep bonds of family.

He attended country school through his elementary years and graduated from Raymond High School. As a Raymond Redwing, he participated in and enjoyed the sports of baseball, rodeo, and basketball, and allegedly had a “deadly left hook”. Dallas attended Boys State, and he and Diane were voted Homecoming King and Queen.

While still in high school, Dallas attended a skating party in Conde where he noticed a pretty little blonde named Lois Beauvais. The couple dated for five years before Dallas and Lois were united in marriage in Turton, South Dakota, on August 31, 1963. They built a beautiful life filled with love, devotion, and pride. They compassionately cared for one another for the next 62 years.

Dallas completed one year of business school. He worked at Wegmann Oil and Hahn Oil, and eventually took over and ran Wheeler Mobile Service Station in Doland. He enjoyed serving his community and the relationships he built with all who would stop in daily. Before long, he achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer. He moved his family northeast of Raymond. Dallas loved working the land and caring for his animals. He always said it never felt like a day’s work to him, but rather a privilege and a way of life. He also worked at Cross Country Vet Clinic during those years. Later, after moving to Watertown, Dallas and Lois ran Molli Jo’s Boutique and spent several years traveling across the United States selling western clothing. They made endless friendships, countless memories, and had unforgettable experiences together on the road.

Dallas had a giving heart, was deeply interested in getting to know others, and loved all people—especially his children. He was the kind of person who showed up, gave freely, and never hesitated to do for others. His sense of humor was unforgettable. He loved to joke and always had a way of filling the room with laughter with his natural gift for storytelling. He shared tales that seemed almost unbelievable yet were always true. His unmistakable charm, ability to dance, and the joy he brought to every gathering will never be forgotten.  Almost everywhere you go, someone has a story about Dallas.

Above all, Dallas was most proud of the family he and Lois created. His greatest joy came from watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild grow. Each of them carries a piece of his humor, grit, and unmistakable sparkle.

Dallas leaves behind his cherished wife, Lois; their five children—Sterling (Teresa Virchow) Wheeler of Lake Preston, Sara Jo (Gary) Lamb of Watertown, Kasey (Gwen) Wheeler of Sioux Falls, Colette (Todd) Porter of Sioux Falls, and LeeAnn Wheeler of Wynnewood, OK; his sister, Cleo Thelen of Pierre; and his beloved grandchildren: Molli Jo (Andrew), Kolton (Ellie), Chase (Amber), Faith, Lindsey, and John. He was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Steely Jo, whom he affectionately called “Squeely Jo.” He will be dearly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who hold his memory close.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Mabel; his in-laws, Fred and Ann Beauvais; his siblings, Jay, Gene, Beverly, Richard, Karin, Tom, and his twin sister, Diane.  

Furness Funeral Home is assisting the Wheeler family with arrangements.