Don Wheeler, husband, father, veterinarian, and longtime Butte businessman passed away peacefully at The Springs in Butte on June 13, 2025. Don was born to Bill and Anna Wheeler in Golden, Colorado May 31, 1933. In addition to his parents, Don grew up with his sister Billie Jean, cousin Mary Helen, and grandfather Ashley Bussert. He attended local schools and graduated from Golden High School, where he was Student Body President.
After graduation, Don attended Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was there he met Carol Ann Winslow on a blind date. Since one of Don’s childhood pastimes was hunting, on one of their first dates he took Carol rabbit hunting. He was successful and prepared the rabbit into a special meal which they shared over a campfire. They soon knew they would be lifelong partners. Don and Carol both graduated from CSU in 1957 where Don earned his degree in veterinary medicine.
Looking for adventure and a new place to call home, Don and Carol moved to Montana that same year. They spent six months in Helena while he worked for the State of Montana as a dairy inspector, then moved to Butte. They knew Butte would be their home. He spent a short time working for a local veterinarian before opening the Wheeler Animal Clinic in 1960 on a wing and a prayer. Service, compassion, and professional expertise defined his practice and it thrived over the years. He eventually took on a partner, changing the name to Animal Hospital. In was during these years that staff and the community began to refer to him as “Doc”, a nickname that was with him for the remainder of his life.
After being introduced to Mexican food in college, Doc and Carol dreamed of opening their own Mexican restaurant. That dream turned to reality when they opened El Taco, Butte’s first Mexican food restaurant, in May of 1972. Doc was an integral part of that business for 45+ years until he had to step back for health reasons.
Doc, an entrepreneur at heart, retired from veterinary medicine in 1980 and began focusing more on El Taco, his rental properties and other business interests. He and Carol purchased the former Jet Carwash and converted it into Butte’s first brushless carwash. He also purchased the old Currie Chevrolet/Black Angus building and opened the Gold Rush Casino, Butte’s first full-service casino in August 1988.
In his later years, Doc developed a love for photography and spent quality time with his son (Scott) traveling Montana and taking pictures. He was also very interested in natural health. He became an expert in vitamin supplements, providing them to family and friends over many years.
Dad was preceded in death by his sister, Billie Jean; and his grandson, Jacob.
He is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 68 years; his five children, Rob (Keri), Scott, Bill (Lisa), Brad (Steve) and Julie (Sean); as well as eight grandchildren, Anna (Jeremy), Ben (Zeyna), Abigail (Jac), Robin, Aiden, Ethan, Conner, Donnie; and one great grandson, Eli; Dad is also survived by extended family, Sue and Joe Beckner, the Doogans (Terri, Dee Dee, Bill, Trish) and their families as well as Mary Buck, his long-time manager and dear friend. Finally, there are many employees (too many to name) over his years in business that held a special place in his heart.
The family recognizes and appreciates the compassionate direction and care at The Springs in Butte. They took good care of Dad and for that we are forever grateful.
At our dad’s request, no memorial service is planned. Memorials can be made to the Jacob Wheeler Foundation at www.jacobwheelerfoundation.com (660 Copperhead Rd., Helena, MT 59602), or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Doc and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Doc.
Millie Rigby says
Carol and family
Doc was one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. There will never be a better one. He was always so soft hearted and so helpdful and really appreciated his employees. Rest in peace Doc!! Myself and my family will never forget you!
Melva Thomas says
Carol and family. You were the best neighbors we ever had. You gave our son jobs and you became great second parents to our daughter Brendee. You will be truly missed by all.
The Clark Thomas Family
Mark Johnson says
Rest in peace my friend
Wanda Stewart says
What a wonderful man! We were always like family at ElTaco so many wonderful memories & great lifelong friendships were made there. Thanks for everything, you will never be forgotten❤️ Sending love & prayers to the whole Wheeler family
Darrion McCracken says
Thank you for your encouragement and support throughout the years and having a hand in the work ethic that I’ve taken so much pride in over the years.
It was never a dull day when you came to pay us a visit in the kitchen and you were always so good to us kids. I’m sure going to miss you. Please rest easy, Doc. 🖤🕊️
Annette Stajcar says
My prayers to the Doc’s family. So many great memories of Doc he was a great man and an incredible boss ❤️❤️
Donna Monaco-Little says
Doc was an icon in the Butte community and was so well loved, respected and admired by his family, his community and those he mentored and gave their employment starts to via El Taco. So many of us have Doc to thank for the life-long friendships developed while at El Taco and the sense of work ethic we evolved while under Doc’s leadership. I, for one, can say my life would not have the greater outcome if not for the love, mentoring and life-long friendship of this incredible man. Rest in Peace Doc…your work here on earth is done, and you did an incredible job!
Lisa Turley says
Turley Family
I enjoyed meeting up with Doc at the Montana Veterinary Medical Association. Our long time employee and friend Kendall Torpey loved writing in his signature on class conclusions. Lots of jokes and laughter during class was hard to disguise. It was so nice to connect with a Butte Veterinarian and discuss ‘Butte’ animal medicine and predicaments. He’ll forever be long time friend and in our hearts.💕 sincerely Darrell, & Lisa Turley, Kendall Torpey.
Lorne Morris says
Carol, Rob, Scott, Bill, Brad and Julie:
My sincere condolences on Doc’s passing. He was a big part of my young life giving endless support to me during our high school wrestling days. I was a frequent visitor in your home eating delicious Taco’s He will be greatly missed.
Prayers for you all,
Lorne Morris