Joseph David Wheaton, 15, died the evening of July 13 the result of a swimming accident near Rocky Point on the Belle Fourche Reservoir. He is the son of Rodney and Klara (Jamell) Wheaton of Belle Fourche, the brother of Maria Wheaton of Essex Junction, VT, Shaun Wheaton stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY, Evan, Mark and Celene Wheaton all of Belle Fourche, his grandmother, Robbie Wheaton, Rapid City, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grand parents, Frank and Stanislawa Jamell, and paternal grandfather, Quinton Wheaton.

Services are planned for Tuesday, July 18 at 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home of the Northern Hills, Eldon Jensen Family Funeral Homes of Caring, Belle Fourche. Interment will be in Pineslope Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, July 18, from 1-7 when a Rosary Service will be held, and Tuesday from 9 AM until the service all at the funeral home.

Joseph David Wheaton was born on Dec. 24, 1989 at Belle Fourche, the fifth child of six children born to Rodney and Klara (Jamell) Wheaton. He was raised in Belle Fourche and received his education at home, having completed the 9th grade. He was interested in trapping, riding his bike, being with his family and buddies, learning about the use of swords and playing video games and watching movies. He was devoted to the Blessed Mother.