Wheeler, Donald

Donald Wheeler, 81, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids from complications of heart disease. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Newhall, with Father Brian Dellaert as celebrant. Private committal services will take place. Public visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the church in Newhall.

Donald was born April 10, 1930, in Newhall, to Lester and Leone (Boddicker) Wheeler and graduated from the Newhall High School in 1947. On Aug. 17, 1950, he was united in marriage to Joyce DeKlotz in Newhall. Donald was a lifelong farmer and member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Newhall.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by their nine children, Joseph (Margaret) Wheeler of Martelle, Janet Wheeler of Keystone, Michael Wheeler of Watkins, Diane Wheeler of Keystone, Susan (Edward) Moore of Prairie Grove, Ark., Jean (Jerry) Jurgens of West Des Moines, Andrew (Patricia) Wheeler of Van Horne, Ann (Dennis) Junge of Keystone and John Wheeler of Watkins.

Donald is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Theresa Green of DeWitt and Mary Johnson of Newhall.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be given to the Newhall First Responder Foundation and the Youngville Cafe.

Donald's family would like to thank Dr. Ali, Dr. Riter and the staff of the ICU at St. Luke's.

Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at:

Published in The Gazette Feb. 5, 2012