Helen Wheeler

Helen Louise (nee Harty) Wheeler passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024 at the age of 97 with family by her side. She was born on June 25, 1926 in Muncie, Indiana, but grew up in Traverse City’s Slabtown neighborhood having moved there as a toddler. She married Gordon L. Wheeler on April 12, 1947 and celebrated 72 wonderful years of marriage with him until his passing in 2020. Helen and Gordon resided in town before moving to their home on Spider Lake where they enjoyed many years on the water. When they downsized, they moved to the Village at Bay Ridge Senior Living, where they made many new friends. In June of 2022, Helen moved to the French Manor Terra assisted living community. As a young woman, Helen worked for Montgomery Ward, and the Burwood Product Company before staying home to raise her two daughters. She finished her career as an administrative assistant with R.L. Polk and Company, retiring after 33 years. Helen and Gordon loved spending time with family and friends. There were many summer cookouts, canoe rides, evenings spent sitting around a campfire, birthday celebrations, holiday dinners, and a granddaughter’s wedding at their lake home. Her grandchildren were a very important part of her life, and she would comment on how fortunate she was to have them want to visit even after they were grown. The Cherry Festival parades and festivities were always attended in their younger years. Helen and Gordon took advantage of the various music venues in the area, with Concerts on the Lawn at the Pavilions with good friend Bobbi being a favorite. Helen took frequent long drives with Gordon throughout Northern Michigan enjoying the beauty of each season, especially the M-22 loop around Leelanau County. They spent many vacations touring through various U.S. States after retirement, always being sure to visit the National Parks along the way. Her travels also included a European river cruise with land excursions into Germany and Belgium. She was always happy to return home, and said she was glad she lived in Northern Michigan because with each seasonal change you knew what to expect. Helen is survived and missed by her daughter Sherry (Michael) Barich of Lincolnshire, IL, and Grandchildren Michael (Sheila) Anderson, Eric (Kimberly Crow) Anderson, and Stephanie (Scott) Beckstead of Traverse City, Kristen (Jeff) Moon of Battle Creek, and Nicholas Barich of Lincolnshire, IL. She also leaves eight Great-Grandchildren, three Great-Great Grandchildren, Sister Phillis Mowen, Sister-in law Lucy Harty, and nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon (2020), and her daughter Cindy Wheeler (2016), siblings Charles Harty, Kenneth Harty, and Maxine Dempsey. Helen was a tremendous role model to her daughters and grandchildren. Her titles included mom, Wowrie, and grandma. She was loving, kind-hearted, generous, a good listener, and brought joy to those around her. Her family feels very blessed to have had her in their lives for a very long time, and they will cherish their memories of her forever. The family would like to express our heartfelt thank you to French Manor Terra’s management and outstanding staff. Their expert care and compassionate support made her feel welcome, and truly made her final years as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. We would also like to express our gratitude for the superb care and support provided by Hospice of Michigan during her final days. Per Helen’s wishes, no service will be conducted. Arrangements are being handled by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Her final resting place will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Helen Wheeler

June 25, 1926 - March 10, 2024