Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Canton, SD.
Wheeler Gill, age 87, died peacefully, Friday, August 21, 2026 surrounded by his family at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage. Visitation, with family present, will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Canton, SD.
Wheeler was born on January 10, 1939, Sioux Falls, SD to Wheeler and Walta (Saupe) Gill. He grew up and attended school in Humbolt, SD. After graduating from Humbolt High School in 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge, he returned to South Dakota where he was soon introduced to a pretty young lady named Gloria Brandhagen. They were married on December 1, 1962 at Christ the King Church in Sioux Falls, SD.
Wheeler began his baking career at Sunshine Bakery. He furthered his craft at Dunwoody Baking School in Minneapolis. After graduating, he returned to Sioux Falls where the couple welcomed two sons, Timothy and Bradley. The family later moved to Havre, MT where their daughter, Tanya, was born. They lived in New Ulm, MN before settling in Canton, SD in 1974 where the family owned and operated the Town House Bakery for 27 years. Wheeler loved baking and will be remembered as the best baker in Canton.
When Wheeler wasn’t making the best cookies and sweet treats in the region, he loved to read, garden, and spend time with his family. He was a past member of the Canton Library Board, the Canton Lions Club, and enjoyed dancing with his wife at the Moose Club in his younger years. He was also a longtime member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 63 years, Gloria; sons Timothy (Sharon) Gill and Bradley (Grace) Gill; daughter, Tanya (Mark) Iverson; grandchildren, Megan (Justice), Josiah, Tasha (Terra), Alex (Alexandra), Nichole (Sydney), Jacob, and Justin; great-grandchildren, Freya, Matthew, Declan, and Julian; brother, Alfred (Donna) Gill; sisters, Ellen Swanson and Frankie Saxton; special cousin, John Gill; numerous extended family and friends; and generations of satisfied bakery customers. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Don Swanson and Jim Saxton.
I am so sorry for your loss
I’m so so sorry he was a great man I had many great conversations with Wheeler.
MY SYMPATHY TO GLORIA AND ALL OF THE FAMILY ON YOUR GREAT LOSS. MAY GOD GIVE YOU ALL COMFORT AND STRENGTH.
So sorry for your loss. Here’s hoping the good memories you have will comfort you in the days and weeks ahead. Take care and God bless.
I sad to hear about Will he was absolutely the best when my kids were in elementary school they walk over to the bakery and get donuts….
Or rolls they were the best … donuts and rolls and his angel foods cakes rock …. I would pay after I got off of work ..I missed Will and Gloria retiring
I remember when my grandparents Don and Ardy Ockenga lived behind the Gills. Great fun and great bakery.
Eternal rest to Wheeler and peace and sympathy to his family and all who knew and loved him.
Wheeler was a special person. He was a hard worker, and a great conversationist.. He will be missed.
So sorry for Wheeler’s passing. I’m sure his memory will live on for a long time with Canton residents. Sympathy for your loss of a special man in your lives.
Sorry for your loss. So many good memories of Wheeler and the bakery.
so sorry to hear about your loss of Wheeler. Hugs and prayers coming your way