Richard A. Wheeler, 78, of Eau Claire, died Friday, July 17, 2015, surrounded by family, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire after a year long battle with medical issues. Richard was born on November 22, 1936, in Eau Claire to Harold and Violet (Colby) Wheeler. In September of 1957, Richard enlisted in the Army National Guard and served for three years. He married Leona Guelle, on June 7, 1958, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mondovi. After his honorable discharge from the service, Richard worked as a laborer and concrete finisher for Local 317 where he was a gold card member and an active member for 52 years. After his retirement he was an independent contractor making many new friends, laying multiple driveways, sidewalks and even did some remodeling. Richard enjoyed watching his beloved Packers and Badgers. He also enjoyed going to an occasional Brewer game with Kim, Michelle and Michael and trying his luck at the Casinos from time to time. He recently started watching NASCAR. His true passion was horses and could tell you anything you wanted to know, even raising some in his day. Richard is survived by two daughters, Michelle (Fred) Gauger of Chippewa Falls, and Kimberly Wheeler of Middleton; two sons, Steve (Jennifer) Wheeler of Chippewa Falls, and Todd (Tinia) Wheeler of Oxford, AL; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; brother, Claire(Viona); sister-in-law, Margaret Wheeler of Eau Claire; brother-in-law, Emil Guelle of Springfield, PA; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife; brother, Kipling; and a sister at birth. We would like to thank the Marshfield staff, especially Dr's Michael and Ceasar Gonzaga, Dr Obaid and Ann Bauer of the EC Medical Clinic, and all the staff at SHH, especially the CCU and SICU. Your bedside manner, compassion and expertise from the start to the end was never-ending and greatly appreciated. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire with Pastor Phillip Pitt officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated.

Service Information

Visitation

Tuesday, July 21 2015 9:30 AM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Tuesday, July 21 2015 11:30 AM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703