Noel R. Wheeler

Noel R. Wheeler

Orchard — Noel Rodney Wheeler, 85, of Orchard died Saturday, June 11, 2022 at The Meadows in Norfolk.

Visitation was held Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Brockhaus-Howser-Fillmer Funeral Home in Norfolk.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Orchard. Pastor Ryan Janke officiated.

Burial was in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Orchard with military rites provided by the American Legion Post 136, United States Army Honor guard and the American Legion Riders.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Noel was born June 28, 1936, to George and Irene Wheeler in Marion, MI and was the oldest of five children. 

After graduating from Marion High School in 1955, Noel joined the Michigan National Guard and was employed by Kraft Foods.

He married Shirley Bowen in 1956 and they were the parents of three children Cindy (Mike) Haines of Cadillac, MI, and Trent Wheeler and Kevin (Shanette) Wheeler, all of Norfolk.

Noel was transferred to O'Neill for his job. He met his second wife Nancy, and with this marriage two stepchildren were added to the family Shelly (Mike) Ross and Greg (Sandy) Rickard, all of O'Neill.

He later moved to Orchard where he worked and met Claris Hesse and they enjoyed many years of companionship. Claris' family was very important to him. 

Noel lived in Orchard until moving to The Meadows in Norfolk to be closer to family.

Noel was very passionate about giving blood and donated for many years.

Noel is survived by his children and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, former wives Shirley and Nancy and a very special friend Claris.