Donald L. Wheeler, age 76, of Erie, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, April 5, 2010 at his home. Born in Erie on August 19, 1933, he was one of three sons of the late Sidney and Marie Behringer Wheeler.
Don was a beloved father, grandfather and husband, friend and neighbor who held a strong belief in God and in the importance of family. He enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his friends, and will always be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and for never speaking an unkind word of anyone.
After serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, Don returned home, and with the skills he learned in the Army, started his own business, Wheeler TV Sales and Service which he operated for over 40 years until his retirement. Over those years, he enjoyed getting to know his customers and was even known to invite someone less fortunate than himself to his home for Thanksgiving dinner, or to give a TV or provide service to someone in need. During his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors and hunting, fishing, and gardening.
Don was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in McKean and also St. George Catholic Church in Millcreek. Other memberships included St. Francis Ushers’ Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars #4789 of Northeast and #470 of Erie, and American Legion #571 of Wesleyville.
In addition to his parents, Sidney and Marie Behringer Wheeler, he was also preceded in death by his step-mother, Virginia Wheeler.
His family members that survive to mourn his loss include his wife of 53 years, Donna M. Brunner Wheeler; six children, Dan Wheeler and his wife Diane of Edinboro, Doug Wheeler and his wife Pam of McKean, Denise Zaczyk and her husband Chris of Edinboro, Sue Wheeler of McKean and her fianc??? Mike McLaughlin, Tim Wheeler and his wife Vickie of Edinboro, and Sandy Urban and her husband John of Northeast; also, two brothers, John Wheeler and his wife Mary Ann, and Tom Wheeler and his wife Gerda, all of Northeast; and 18 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many close neighbors, friends, and other relatives.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm and may attend funeral services there on Saturday morning at 10:00am officiated by Rev. Fr. Mark Nowak of St. Francis Xavier Church. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in McKean.
Because Don was a longtime caregiver for his wife who has Alzheimer’s, his family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dear Wheeler clan,
I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, my cousin.
I may not have been close, but I know how much family means to one another. Yes, one day you will be together again, but for now, not having Don around, like usual, must be heartbreaking. I miss my Dad and Joyce, it is so weird not having them to talk to or to visit anymore. And I cannot imagine not having my mom around. You and Donna are in my prayers and thoughts. Reading the two comments from Vickie and knowing that Don liked to garden, I will think of him when I am in mine. Take care guys and may God Bless.
Love,
Jane (Brunner)
Don you and I know we have been VERY SPECIAL friends since we first met in 1952 during basic training then during electronic schooling in Fort Monmount. Double dating with Donna who was the love of your life, and when the two of you came to see me while on your honeymoon in Port Arthur Texas. The time you & some of your wonderful family came to visit us in Auburn, AL
We are so disappointed you will not be coming again to see us with your grand daughter at the end of this month.
Hope the special long green beans Amnuay gave you from Thailand got planted and you have enjoyed them.
We look forward seeing you again in Heaven someday.
Hey Dad, the tulip bulbs you gave me last year are now coming up beautifully! You know just the perfect way to spread love from one year to the next. Love, Vickie Wheeler
Hey Dad, you left rows of freshly planted peas in your garden and so I just planted peas in my garden so we can have a contest to see who’s peas come up first. I was still eating the leftover spaghetti and meatballs you gave me still in my fridge from just days ago, yum! You are a good cook! Well, I’ll see you soon, wait for me at the gates made of pearls. Love, your Daughter-In-Law, Vickie Wheeler