William D. Wharton

William Wharton, age 96, of Huron, passed away on Saturday, Sept 27, 2025 at Avantara Huron. His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, October 3rd at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Huron with interment following at St. Martin Cemetery. Visitation with his family present will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, October 2nd at Welter Funeral Home in Huron followed by a scripture prayer service beginning at 6:30 pm at the funeral home; or visitation one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church on Friday.

William Darrell Wharton was born on Jan. 4, 1929, to parents Glenn and Olive (Williams) Wharton in a home east of St. Lawrence. He grew up on various farms around the Miller area and lived in California for three years, from 1936-1939. He attended school in Miller and graduated in 1946. After graduation, he farmed with his dad. During this time, he met the love of his life, Lorraine Dargatz. They were married on June 1, 1954, at St. Martin Church in Huron.

Bill and Lorraine spent two more years on the farm before moving to Spokane, WA, in 1957, where he began working at Armour and Company. When the Spokane Armour plant closed in 1971, the family moved to Huron, where he continued to work for Armour and Company in various departments until his retirement in 1984. He then helped Lorraine with her daycare until she retired. They also opened their home to 35 foster children over the years.

Bill enjoyed camping, fishing, feeding the birds, working in his yard-especially with his flowers-and decorating for Christmas. He was a multi-award winner for his Christmas lights.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine, in 2018; his parents, Glenn and Olive; stepfather, William Heinzerling; three brothers: Bob, Don, and Dick Wharton; his sister, Mary Scherschligt; daughters Pam McAloon and Janet Wharton; and daughter-in-law Carla Wharton.

He is survived by his children: Darrell (Jean) Wharton of Huron, Wayne (Susie Hayes) Wharton of Denver, CO, Cindy (Brian) Neuharth of Wolsey, Tammy (Scott) Slepikas of Huron, Kristy (Doug) Anderson of Sioux Falls, and Scott Wharton of Huron; 15 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.