Richard Wheeler

Passed away on Saturday afternoon, September 16, 2017. Rick was born October 6, 1924, in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, the son of John and Elizabeth (Barnes) Wheeler. He was married to Gerri Heine in July, 1978. She preceded him in death in July, 2003. Rick was a longtime member of St. Michael Lutheran Church, where he had served two terms as resident of the congregation, as well as numerous other positions, including Stephen Minister and soloist with the choir. Rick was very proud of his WWII service as a Radio Airman 1st Class in the US Navy Air Corps, earning several medals and unit citations for actions in pursuit of enemy submarines. He later worked as an insurance agent with Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent), attaining the title CLU. Rick was also preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother Maynard (Betty). Rick is survived by his step-son: Michael (Donna) Heine of Ann Arbor; step-daughter: Diane (Frederick) Soddy of Leo, IN; step-grandson: Christopher (Lisa) Heine and their children Theron and Elia of Grosse Pointe; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Drive, with Pastors Paul Naumann and Kenneth Allan officiating. Interment will follow the church luncheon at South Portage Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave, and from 10-11 AM on Wednesday at the church, preceding the service. Contributions in memory of Rick may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church Geraldine (Heine) Wheeler Scholarship Fund or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit Rick's personalized webpage for driving directions or to leave a condolence to his family at www.langelands.com.