Wheeler, Jeffrey Alan

Jeffrey Alan Wheeler, 49, of Hiawatha, passed into the presence of his Lord on May 7, 2012, after battling synovial sarcoma for over 18 months. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, and a Celebration of Life service held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 16. All services will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1900 F Ave. NW in Cedar Rapids.

Jeff was born Aug. 14, 1962, in Joplin, Mo., to Paul and Lou Alice (Moulder) Wheeler. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla, with a degree in electrical engineering in 1984, and married his “Sunday school Sweetheart,” Lu Bowen, in 1986. He worked for Rockwell International, Parsons Technology (makers of QuickVerse) and most recently a publisher of Bible software, Laridian (makers of PocketBible).

In addition to his vocational pursuits, Jeff faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ in many ministries of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he served as worship leader, Sunday school teacher, moderator, deacon, website administrator, Vacation Bible School leader, and Awana games leader. He could be spotted playing first base on the church softball team. He helped lead children's ministries, as well as parenting classes in the community. He also served on the executive board and the administrative committee of the Baptist Convention of Iowa.

For the past 11 years, Jeff directed the Cedar Rapids Area Home School Choir.

Jeff was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He enjoyed fantasy baseball; and was amiably conversant on many sports and topics.

He is survived by his wife, Lu; a son, Matt (Danielle) of Duluth, Minn.; a daughter, Bethany of Oberlin, Ohio; a brother, Joe (Ann) of Lebanon, Mo.; and his parents of Lebanon, Mo.

Memorials may be made to the Ministry Expansion Fund of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com

Published May 13, 2012 in The Gazette