Richard Wheeler

Date of Birth

Nov 09,1950

Date of Death

Sep 29,2019

Richard J. “Rich” Wheeler, age 68, of Elburn, passed into the arms of his Savior, Sunday, September 29, 2019. Though he left unexpectedly, he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and a lifetime of memories for his family to cherish.
He was born November 9, 1950, in St. Charles, IL, to proud parents Thurman Judson and Anna May (Riskedahl) Wheeler.
Rich grew up in St. Charles and attended local schools. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1968. Before he received his diploma, he played the trombone in the band, but made a name for himself while drag racing.
Rich attended Elgin Community College for a time but continued majoring in “Hot Rods”.
Rich rented a home next door to Mary Assell in 1983. Before a connection could begin, Mary’s children visited Rich often, petting rabbits and looking at his tackle box. It wasn’t long before she wondered who Rich was, and both being divorced, fate intervened giving Rich an “instant family”, of which he was eternally grateful. They were united in marriage in 1986.
Right after graduation, Rich found work as a roofer and the rest was history. He worked for various companies, but in 1992, Rich established Wheeler Roofing Inc. and built a reputation for excellent work and leaving a clean worksite. He loved roofing for his community, making friends with every bid and every job.
At a young age he bought himself a boat and lived to be on the water, coursing through the Fox River. Rich was a consummate jokester and was known to say if he didn’t tease you, he didn’t like you. He loved coaching as well. He taught his kids basketball and softball, but he also taught hundreds of other children to love the game. Rich was a king in the kitchen, whipping up batches of chili and spaghetti that made your mouth water. Rich loved the outdoors and spent as much time outside, not only for work but also on various trails. He kept fit and loved to exercise. Even into the last days he was pumping iron to his heart’s content. Family vacations were events to behold. Trips to Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Ozarks and the Wisconsin Dells were his favorites. The family even bought a home on the Rock River where everyone could make memories on the water. He was an avid and VERY competitive card player. Rich loved to play and always played to win at all costs. Family was of the utmost importance and Rich cherished every minute he could spend with them.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Mary Wheeler; four children: Charity (Tim) Assell-Wheeler, Chuck (Natalie) Assell and their children, Alyssa and Kayleigh, Cliff (Kelso Kuipers) Assell and Katie (Dan) Wheeler Nudera and a community full of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thurman Judson and Anna May Wheeler.
Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Elburn Lions Club, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119. Following cremation, there will be a private family burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Rich’s name. Checks may be made to the “Richard Wheeler Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Elburn Lions Club, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119. Following cremation, there will be a private family burial at a later date.

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