Ralph H. Wheeler

Services for Ralph H. Wheeler, 72, of Kansas City, KS, who passed away Thursday, October 7, 2010, will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 13th at the Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, KS. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to The Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center, 7315 Frontage Road, Suite 221, Shawnee Mission, KS, 66204. Ralph was born August 13, 1938 in Hardin, MO to Edwin H. and Ida Mae (Kallenberger) Wheeler, and had been a resident of Kansas City since moving here in 1967. He worked in Heavy Construction all of his life, Owning and Operating Wheeler Construction Company, Inc. since 1990. Ralph was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wyandotte #87, and was currently serving as the Kansas State Aerie President. He and his wife were members of Grandview Christian Church in Kansas City, Kansas. He enjoyed camping; restoring and competing in Antique Tractor Pulls and shows, with antique John Deere and Case Tractors; restoring, showing and parading antique late 1920’s model Fords; traveling with his wife, especially to islands like Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, his favorite being Aruba. He won many first and second place trophies in Antique Tractor Pulls, Antique Tractor Shows, Car Shows and Parades. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, a sister-in-law, and his mother-in-law and his father-in-law. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Linda Wheeler of the home; 5 children, Robin Dorogi and husband Art of Pittsburg, PA, Theresa Trafton of Kansas City, KS, Jeff Wheeler and wife Debra of Augusta, GA, Czerenda Penrod and husband Bryan of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Greg Wheeler and wife Jennifer of Tonganoxie, KS; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Don Wheeler and wife Elaine, and John Wheeler and wife Judy, both of Hardin, MO; 2 brothers-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends and business associates that Ralph made and kept through the years. Ralph was loved by all that knew him. He was a very kind and compassionate man who’s love for life was only surpassed by the love he had for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements under the direction of Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS.