Richard "Dick" Wheeler

Richard “Dick” Wheeler, 70, of Crystal River, FL, passed away on Wed., Aug. 14, 2024 at Tampa General Hospital Crystal River. A native of Waupun, Wisconsin, he was born April 5, 1954 to Dr. Paul Wheeler and Georgine “Pat” (Sullivan) Wheeler, one of two children. Dick, as he was known to everyone, was a software developer and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin. He moved to Crystal River in 1983 from Wisconsin and was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers. Dick was an avid shark fisherman in Citrus County and also looked forward to his yearly summer fresh water fishing trips to Eagle River, Wisconsin for walleye, muskie and Northern pike. He enjoyed watching Gold Rush on television, as well as watching Shark Week each year; was a huge fan of the movie Jaws, and loved playing the slot machines at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa. Dick’s most perfect day would revolve around spending as much time as possible with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Paula Wheeler of Crystal River, FL; daughters Stefanie Choi (husband Eddie) of New York, NY and Jessie Wheeler Watson (husband Tony) of Odessa, FL; beloved grandchildren Cooper, Connor, Carson and Charly Choi of New York, NY and Collins Watson of Odessa, FL; brother William “Bill” Wheeler (wife Debbie) of Waupun, WI; sister-in-law Donna Messier (husband Jeff Macrini) of Homosassa, Florida; nephews Kyle Messier (wife Jenn) of Crystal River, FL and Nathan Messier (wife Jennifer) of Indian Land, SC; nieces Katy and Gina and nephew Paul, all of Wisconsin, and many loving extended family members. Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. www.macriniwilderfuneral.com