Marlena Kay Wheeler

Born December 18, 1938 in Peoria to Herbert and Opal (Isenberg) Brienen, she married Kenneth Herbert Wheeler, Sr. on July 2, 1955 in Peoria. He died January 2, 2005 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Victoria Lynn Wheeler on February 18, 1985.

Surviving are three sons, Greg (Nancy) Wheeler of Pekin, Kenneth (Tobi) Wheeler, II of East Peoria and Jeff (Sandy) Wheeler of Pekin; twelve grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and one brother, Richard (Carol) Brienen of Pekin.

She was a devoted homemaker and did work outside the home in various positions over the years including Pekin Hospital and the Tazewell County Clerk's Office.

Marlena was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where she participated in WATCH, Cursillo and prison ministry.

She had a strong devotion to her family and loved tending to her garden, baking and enjoyed scrapbooking. In earlier years, she enjoyed camping with her family. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and pleasant disposition. Marlena had a passion for butterflies.

Her funeral Mass will be at noon on Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Compassus Hospice and the staff at Hallmark for their care and compassion provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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