Dean E Wheeler

Born August 2, 1939 in rural Riceville, Iowa to Clyde and Dolores (Kinter) Wheeler, he married Retha Jungers on July 9, 1960 in Riceville, who he met at Bible College. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Russell Wheeler (Betty) of Lincoln, Donald (Kristy Lee) Wheeler and Jerry Wheeler, both of Delavan; daughter-in-law, Yolanda of Alabama; thirteen grandchildren, Dean, Rachel, Laura, Garlen, Megan, Morgan, James, Samantha, Melissa, Theresa, Clyde, Barbie and Danny; eight great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Garlen (C-Etta) Jungers of North Pekin; and two brothers, Harlo (Marilyn) Wheeler and Loren (Audrey) Wheeler, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Ruth Anne Wheeler Jager of Lincoln, Nebraska on August 13, 2001 and his parents.

Dean was raised on a farm in Iowa and moved to Illinois in June of 1966 and began working at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria. He retired in 2004 after 39+ years of service. He became disabled on March 1, 1991.

He enjoyed fishing and making handmade knives. He played football and basketball in college.

Dean was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Minier. He loved his God and was proud to be an American and of his grandson, Garlen Dean who serves in the United States Marines.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July31, 2013 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Pastor John Horner will officiate. Private burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, beside his daughter.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 212 East Central Street, Minier, IL 61759 or Parkinson Association of Illinois, Post Office Box 617875, Chicago, IL 60661.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com