James William Wheeler

James William Wheeler, age 74, of Newark, IL, formerly of Warrenville, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. He was born August 31, 1935 in Bear Creek, WI, the son of Ralph and Beatrice (Lehman) Wheeler.

James was united in marriage on January 5, 1963 in Maywood, IL to the former Eloise Sefranek and they spent the next 46 happy years together. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Wheeler served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army. James was the owner and operator of Wheeler Home Specialist Inc. He was civic minded and was very active in serving the communities where he lived. James was a former member of the Warrenville Town Council and the Warrenville Building & Planning Commission in Warrenville, IL. He was the President of the Fern Dell Historical Association in Newark, IL. James was a member of the Big Grove Township Zoning Commission. He was also very active in raising and selling miniature horses and was the past President of the Illinois Miniature Horse Owners Association.

He is survived by his wife, Eloise Wheeler of Newark, IL; his children, Steven (Elizabeth) Wheeler of Winfield, IL and Jennifer (Tim) DeBow of Shorewood, IL; his grandsons, Michael and Danny DeBow; his brothers, DuWayne (Dulcie) Wheeler of Missouri and Larry Wheeler of Texas; his sister, Colleen Red of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter-in-law, Michele Wheeler of Yorkville, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Beatrice Wheeler; his son, Michael Wheeler on April 8, 2006; and his brother-in-law, Lonnie Red.

Funeral Services will be held at 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Pkwy., Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.

Friends may visit from 3:00 P.M. until the Hour of Service on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Fern Dell Historical Society Association, P.O. Box 604, Newark, IL 60541.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, 630-553-7611, www.nelsonfuneralhomes.com