Joseph Felix Wheeler

Joe Wheeler, 86, of Oskaloosa passed away Friday evening, February 20, 2015, at his home in Oskaloosa. Joseph Felix Wheeler, son of Alfred and Anna Alice (Duffy) Wheeler, was born February 11, 1929, in Montrose, South Dakota. Joe was a gifted athlete: in his youth he played basketball (state championship team for Montrose High School) played ping pong (held a junior state title) and later became a golf enthusiast. He attended University of South Dakota and eventually completed seminary training. He began his career with Boeing Aerospace Company, where on an assignment in Michigan, Joe met the love of his life, Patricia Catherine Deuman. Three months later, October 30, 1960, the two were married at St. Francis Xavier Church in Brimley, MI. Because of the nature of Joe’s job, the family traveled extensively, living in 14 states in 16 years. After leaving Boeing, the family settled in Littleton CO for a time where Joe partnered in a RV building business. He then worked for 3M and the family relocated to Oskaloosa IA where Joe worked for Clow Valve Co and retired from Oskaloosa Foods in 1994. Joe’s faith was of utmost importance to him, although he didn’t feel called to the priesthood after seminary, he lived his faith every day. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church where he served on parish council, as a lector and Eucharistic minister, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and where he and his wife served for many years as the Educational Directors. Joe was an enthusiastic sports fan: he attended Oskaloosa High School football games (season ticket holder for more than 30 years) and basketball games. He followed his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Orioles, St Louis Cardinals, and all levels of basketball. In his retirement Joe enjoyed traveling with Pat and playing golf. Joe was a dyed-in-the-wool liberal Democrat and politics were discussed and encouraged at the Wheeler house. Joe believed strongly in personal civic responsibility and in his later years served on the board of the Senior Citizen’s Center. Joe was more than 40 years sober and was an active member of AA. Always a gentleman, his family will remember his wit, intellect, compassion, and faith. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, and is survived by his sister Mary Delores Hartman of Shoreline WA, his children: Kelly Wheeler [CJ Minter, Isaac Minter (Katlyn), and Sarah Minter] of Oskaloosa, Tony Wheeler (Dylan and Maizey) of Seattle WA, Matt Wheeler of Seattle WA, and Kate Wheeler of Oskaloosa; great granddaughters Grace Minter, Addilyn Minter, and Savannah Minter, many nieces and nephew. Mass of the Resurrection Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 26, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Jeffry Belger, Rev. Thomas Spiegel and Monsignor Bob Spiegel concelebrating. Visitation will begin Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will be present from 5-6:30 p.m. to greet visitors. A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. following the visitation. As was his wish, his body will be cremated following the funeral service and interment of his ashes will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa Senior Citizen’s Center. PDF Printable Version

Joseph Felix Wheeler

February 20, 2015 - February 20, 2015