Mike E. Wheeler

Tucson, Arizona – Mike E. Wheeler, 80, formerly of the Kenosha/Racine area passed away peacefully March 2, 2016 in Tucson, AZ.   He was born in Boone Township, Illinois on June 6, 1935.  He grew up in the farming industry first in Belvedere, Illinois, and later the family moved to the Wisconsin Rapids area.  At age 19 he enlisted in the US Navy and served 4 years at the end of the Korean Conflict.  Upon his discharge he settled in the Racine area, later moving to Kenosha, and after retiring he moved to Arizona.  He went to work for American Motors in 1954 working there for 10 years before leaving for other employment for several years.  He returned to American Motors/Chrysler in 1971 where he worked as a supervisor in several different areas of the plant until he retired in 1990.  While employed at AMC/Chrysler he also spent time teaching part time at Gateway Technical Institute in Kenosha.  During his free time while working and in retirement he loved to play golf.  He continued to golf even well into to the progression of his Alzheimer’s.  He never traveled without his golf clubs in his car, because he would say “you never know when you will come upon a golf course while traveling.

Survivors include his sons Michael (girlfriend-Kellee Henzel), and Kevin (spouse-David Laing) both of Tucson; step sons Robert (Sandie) Hansen, and Richard (Kimberly) Hansen of Kenosha; Sister Lucille Perron of Sebring, Florida; step sister Shirley Higgins of Plover; grandchildren, Erin, Sean, and Renee Wheeler all of Amherst, and Danielle Wheeler of Plover; step grandchildren, Lori (Jeremy) Moore of Hamilton, Alabama, Rick and Randi Hansen of Kenosha; great grandchild, Trenton Wheeler of Plover; step great grandchildren, Delilah, Kenley, and Marshall Moore of, Hamilton, Alabama.  He is also survived by his Aunt Nellie, Uncle Walter, nephews David and Randy Perron, and his favorite cousin Sue Stroud Rodakowski and her son Ryker of Poplar Grove, Illinois; and goddaughter Mary Graziano of Kenosha. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia (Werwie/Hansen).

Visitation for Mike will be in the funeral home on Monday March 7, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.  Funeral Services in the Funeral Home, Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 11:00.  Private interment will be held at Belvedere Cemetery, Belvedere, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made in memory of Mike to the Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 1028 E McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006-2662; or to an animal rescue foundation of your choice.