Kenneth R. Wheeler

Kenneth was born April 14, 1930, in Springfield, Illinois to Harry Wilson Wheeler and Louise Noll Wheeler. Kenneth attended school in Springfield and graduated from Lanphier High School in 1948 and lived in Springfield most of his life. As a teenager he began working for Henson Robinson Heating & Sheet Metal Company where he joined the Sheet metal Workers Union. He later established his own business, Ken Wheeler Heating and Air-conditioning in the Springfield area.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Peter Wheeler, of Springfield; children, Cynthia Wheeler (Floyd), Patricia (Deldon) Grant, Pamela (Paul) Petrowski, Deborah (David) Bonuccelli and Richard Mari; his sisters, Shirley (David) Cole, Betty (Norman) Griggs, Marilyn (Kenneth) Hatcher, Nancy (Leon) Getz, and Alice Wheeler Pope, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by infant daughter, Theresa, and his brother, Harry.

He was a member of Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Springfield. He was also a lifetime member of the Illinois Labor History Society.

Friends may call Thursday Dec. 19, 2013 at Cathedral Church of St. Paul from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM with the Very Rev. Dr. Keith Roderick officiating. Interment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements (www.boardman-smith.net).