Daniel Theel

Daniel A. Theel, 76, of Beresford, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on June 28, 2026.

Dan was born on January 30, 1950, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Arnold and Cleo (Main) Theel. He grew up in the Hartford area and was in the first graduating class of West Central High School. After graduating from high school, Dan attended diesel technical school to pursue the trade that would become his lifelong career.

As an avid outdoorsman, Dan resided in Colorado prior to moving back to South Dakota. There he partook in off-roading, fishing, camping and enjoying the wilderness.

Dan proudly served his country as a member of the Colorado Air National Guard. Following his military service, he returned home and dedicated 42 years as a diesel mechanic at Pedersen Machine in Beresford. Known for his strong work ethic, mechanical expertise, and willingness to lend a helping hand, Dan earned the respect and friendship of coworkers and customers alike. He took great pride in fixing things, solving problems, and doing every job to the best of his ability. Affectionately called “Virgilizing”, Dan was able to find a way to fix anything with this out of the box strategy.

On November 25, 1987, Dan married the love of his life, Rhonda Quartier, in Sioux Falls. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and making memories with those they loved.

Outside of work, Dan found his greatest enjoyment in the outdoors. He loved spending time fishing, camping, and boating whenever he had the opportunity. Whether it was casting a line at his favorite fishing spot, relaxing around a campground, or enjoying a day on the water with family and friends, Dan appreciated the simple pleasures of nature. He also treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Dan will be remembered for his quiet strength, dependable nature, kind heart, unwavering dedication to his family, and someone people could count on, always willing to share his knowledge, offer assistance, or simply enjoy good conversation. His steady presence and genuine care for others will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those who knew Dan will also remember his quick, dry sense of humor. He never needed many words to get a laugh-just a well-placed, one-liner and his trademark grin.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Cleo Theel; his sister, Shirley Ahrendt; his brother, Dave Theel; and his grandson, Wesley Daniel Theel.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his beloved wife of 38 years, Rhonda Theel of Beresford; his son, Wally Theel of Beresford; his daughter, Kristie (Reggie) Breshears of Arlington, Virginia; his son, Jamie Theel of Vermillion; his grandchildren, Logan and Natalie Theel of Beresford; along with many extended family members, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and former coworkers who will cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 101 S. 5th Street, Beresford, South Dakota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dan's family invites all who knew him to join them in celebrating a life well lived and remembering the many ways he touched the lives of others through his love, loyalty, and quiet generosity. His memory will live on in every peaceful morning on the lake, every camping trip with family, and every story shared by those fortunate enough to have known him.