Timothy Wheeler

Timothy E. Wheeler was a fun-loving, friendly man who liked to have the family around him. He worked hard and was active in sports and recreation, but what he liked best was making life good for his family. By his generous spirit and giving heart, Timothy touched many lives and was loved by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Timothy was born during a decade of radical change in America. Despite the Vietnam War and protests on college campuses, the United States made gains in the civil rights movement and space race. A true bright spot for Timothy and Suzanne (Carr) Wheeler of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the birth of their son on January 9, 1963. Timothy was the oldest of three children that included his younger sisters, Theresa and Tina. He had a fairly typical childhood doing the mischievous things little boys do, playing sports, joining Cub Scouts, and hanging around with a tight group of friends. These friends, many of whom turned out to be lifelong buddies, all went through Straight Street Elementary School and West Leonard Elementary School, West Middle School and Union High School. He played high school football and chased girls, or as he claimed, girls chased him. It’s no wonder. Tim was a likeable guy and fun to be with.

After graduating from Union in 1981, Tim joined in the military with some of his high school friends. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany and Fr. Knox, Kentucky. While in Germany, Tim’s dad and mom had a chance to visit him, and it proved to be a highlight of their European tour. Tim also had opportunity to travel to various places in Europe and often spoke about his trip to Paris. His peace time military experience exposed him to a world of hope.

Tim proudly served his country, but on his return home, he faced painful challenges. He married for a brief time and divorced. In 1986, his mother passed away and Tim went through a difficult period. In time, Tim was privileged to meet someone special through his sister Theresa. Tim was introduced to Shirley, and the two began a relationship that culminated in marriage in 1998. On that day, Tim also became a family man with a son and two daughters. His new family gave him two beautiful grandchildren, who were a great joy to his life.

Tim was employed with Pridgeon and Clay, a Grand Rapids manufacturing company, where he worked in the plating department and operated a punch press. On his down time, he liked to hunt, watch football, play golf, and roughhouse with his German Shepherd, Ceasar. His favorite team was the Detroit Lions, and he kept tabs of their progress (as sluggish as it was). Tim also kept a collection of GI Joe items, models he built and, in particular, “Garfield” memorabilia. One of his favorite things to do was plan a family outing on the Muskegon River. This involved camping along the river, spending the day canoeing, and then gathering for an evening of eating and just enjoying each other’s company. Tim was in the process of planning this annual event, and he looked forward to being with his family.

Tim loved and was loved by his family. One example came at the wedding of his niece, in which she asked him to give her away. There are many more stories to tell that will comfort the family as they remember a special man.

Timothy E. Wheeler, aged 44 of Grand Rapids passed away suddenly Friday June 29, 2007 and went to be with his Lord and Savior and was reunited with his mother Suzanne Wheeler whom he lost November 29, 1986. Surviving are his wife Shirley Wheeler, his father and step mother Timothy F. and Fay Wheeler, his sisters and brothers-in-law: Theresa and Robert Foster, Tina and John Sprinkle, his step children: Martin and Heather Bean, Rose Murphy, Angelia Murphy, his grandchildren: Hayden and Aubrianna Vernon, his step sister and step brother-in-law Tammy and Tod Stack, his step brother and step sister-in-law Frank and Victoria Peterson, his nieces and nephews: Jamie Droge, Keshana Kvas, Suzanne Frost, Ashley Maile, Jolene and Courtney Sprinkle, Shawn Maile, Brandon Maile; several aunts and uncles and his friends who he considered his brothers: John Rendak, Rick Swendroswki, Brian Bearinger, Andy Bearinger, Tod Moen and Pat Kelly. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Timothy reposes at the funeral home where relatives and friends may meet his family on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. To share a memory of Timothy or to sign the online register book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com