Rob Wheeler of Wheeler Manufacturing passes away

Son of founders joined the family business in 1978, leading sales for the jewelry wholesaler.

Rob Wheeler of Wheeler Manufacturing passed away on Aug. 8 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

The son of company founders, R.B. and Fran Wheeler, Rob joined the family business in 1978. Rob wore many hats but his primary responsibility was overseeing sales. This included putting together and overseeing a sales force across North America, managing customer relationships, and attending trade shows. Under his leadership, the company grew to more than 120 employees and became the largest U.S. manufacturer of jewelry in the travel and tourism industry — a position it still holds today.

“Through hard work, intelligence, and his larger-than-life personality, Rob Wheeler was instrumental in the growth and success of Wheeler Manufacturing,” says Ken Wilson, president Wheeler Manufacturing. “Even in retirement he continued to care greatly about the business and the industry. However, he so much more than just his work accomplishments — Rob was a mentor to many and friend to all. He is greatly missed.”

Rob leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Colette, and his two children, Lucas and Lyndsey, as well as four grandchildren. The third generation of Wheelers in the family business, Lucas oversees the Black Hills Gold factory in Rapid City, South Dakota, and also manages the company’s four retail stores in the Black Hills, while Lyndsey is based at the Lemmon, South Dakota, factory where she helps manage the day-to-day operations and also leads product development.