Earl Wheeler

On June 30, 2016, one day after celebrating his 95th birthday, Earl Wheeler passed away surrounded by his loving family. Over the course of his life he was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His love of the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Tigers, was eclipsed only by his deep love of his family and, of course, his legendary sense of humor. He was a proud World War II veteran, an electrical expert, a water-skier, a deer hunter, a handyman, a hugger, a smart-aleck, an expert swimmer, a golfer, an avid fisherman, a belly-laugher, a practical jokester, a pinochle player, and a man who was head-over-heels in love with just one woman, Elaine Lynne, his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years before her death in 2003. Earl was not just alive for 95 years ... he lived for 95 years.
He is survived by his three daughters: Trudy (Don) Chappell, Sally (Phil) Marcus, and Peggy J. Parks, as well as eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and his beloved furry little dog Duke. No words can adequately describe how much we will miss him, but we are all comforted by the fact that he made the most of every single moment of his time here on Earth, and he is finally reunited with his beloved Lanie.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday July 6, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City. Guests are welcome to visit with the family beginning at 2:30 p.m. Contributions in Earl's memory can be made to Munson Hospice; 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.