Donald W. Wheeler

Donald W. Wheeler, 94, of Georgetown passed away at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was born on December 5, 1930 in Catlin Township to the late Opal and Edwin Wheeler, Sr. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Mills, and they spent nearly 74 years together before his passing. Don worked at Hyster for 35 years before his eventual retirement. Of his 35 year-career with Hyster, he spent 25 of those years as a General Supervisor.

Don was a lifelong Cardinals fan and enjoyed rooting for the U of I. He loved his family more than anything and was so proud of all his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was also a lifelong member of the Vermilion Grove Friends Church. He had a passion for the Lord and for serving others. He even served as an alderman on the Georgetown City Council for a few months.

Don is survived by his wife Dorothy Wheeler; his children Linda (Randall) Gardner and Timothy (Carla) Wheeler; and his grandchildren Jill (Lance) Turner, Valerie (Adam) Winland, Kathryn (Michael) Bartenschlag, Bryan (Michaela) Wheeler, Matt (Susie) Gardner, and Ryan Gardner. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his good friends David & Brenda Smith and Tony Staub.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his brothers Edwin and Francis Wheeler; his great-granddaughter Emma; 5 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 11 am – 1 pm at Vermilion Grove Friends Church. A funeral service officiated by Joe White will follow at 1 pm that afternoon. He will be laid to rest at the Vermilion Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Vermilion Grove Friends Church. Online condolences can be shared with his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.