Wheeler, Francis K.

Francis K. Wheeler, 96, of Coralville, died Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home where a Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Shriners Children's Hospitals. Online condolences may be sent for Francis's family through the web at .

Francis Kenneth Wheeler was born July 12, 1914, in Hastings, Neb., the son of John and Lillian (White) Wheeler. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Lincoln, Neb., in 1934. During World War II he served in the United States Army Air Corps, being stationed in Alaska. On May 9, 1944, he was united in marriage to Miriam K. Dimmitt in Lancaster, Mo. The couple and their family moved to this area in 1955, settling in Coralville. He had worked as manager for two Fareway stores in Ames and Cherokee, Jaydon Distributors in Iowa City, manager of the Big “B” Master Grocery Store in Iowa City, and retired from the University of Iowa Computer Center in 1980.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, a very active member of the Masonic Lodge since 1964, a member of the Clarksville #668 A.F. & A.M. in Coralville, O.E.S., White Shrine, KAABA Shriners, and Camel Wheels of the Shriners, American Legion Post 721 of Coralville, and the Eagles.

Family includes his two daughters, Connie (LeRoy) Rummelhart of Coralville and Marilyn (William) Nelson of West Des Moines; son, Craig (Nadine) Wheeler of Columbus Junction; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Donald G. Wheeler of Ottumwa; and sister, Darlene Arndt of Kalona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Miriam in 2002; and a sister, Arla Wheeler.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Francis' family and his services.