June Whetsel

*The funeral service will be live streamed on the Furness Funeral Home Facebook page*

June Whetsel, a beloved figure in the hearts of many, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Watertown, South Dakota. Born on March 10, 1942, in Wallace, South Dakota, June’s life was richly woven from the fabric of her nurturing spirit and her unwavering faith. Raised on a farm in the Bradley area, she graduated from Wallace High School in 1960, where she served proudly as the class president. It was during her junior year that she met the love of her life, Carl. They met in the stands at a basketball game in Webster, and that was all she wrote. They married on September 2nd, 1961. The love Carl and June had for each other was truly inspiring.

For two years, June dedicated herself to her profession as a phone operator in Aberdeen, South Dakota. However, her most cherished role came when she became a devoted housewife, nurturing and raising her two sons, Timothy and Todd. In her home, love was a constant, as was her joyful spirit which welcomed anybody and everybody who walked through the door. Her caring nature extended well beyond her family; she had a knack for making everyone feel like an old friend. Known for her warm welcome and generous heart, she always found joy in gifting and helping others, reflecting a personality that was as bright as the treasures she loved to collect.

As a faithful member of New Life Evangelical Free Church, June poured herself into her community, hosting Bible studies from her home with grace and authenticity. Her time spent with church family and friends was a testament to her unwavering belief in the strength of Jesus. June’s spirit of love and service was a beacon to many, illustrating a commitment not only to her faith but also to her friends and church family.

In her leisure, June found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She often spent weekends attending garage sales and second-hand stores, each outing a treasure hunt fueled by her keen eye for unique finds. She was known for her work ethic, and would step up to help before anyone asked. On a few occasions, June has been know to paint a house in a day. Some family members have called her the white tornado, because all you could see was that white hair while she whipped their house into shape!

June is mourned by her devoted husband, Carlton Whetsel, and their loving sons, Timothy (Laura) Whetsel and Todd (Jessi) Whetsel. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Aleshia, Jenna, Alec, Carly, Brady, Baylee, Eli, and Emory, and her great-grandchildren, AvaMarie, Marguerite, Josephine, Genevieve, and John, who will carry forth her spirit and teachings. She is preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Beatrice, David, and LeRoy, who will forever hold a place in the cherished memories of her family.

As we gather to celebrate June’s life, which will be marked with visitation on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Furness Funeral Home in Clark, South Dakota, and her funeral service on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at New Life Evangelical Free Church in Watertown. We invite all those whose lives she touched to come share in the warmth and the memories that make up a life so beautifully lived. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Telemarken Lutheran Cemetery at 12:30 PM, where we will bid farewell to a gentle soul whose kindness and love will echo in our hearts forever.

Memorial donations are preferred to be directed to the Watertown Memory Care Support Group.