Ray Wheeler, 78

Raymond Forrest Wheeler, age 78, of Mendon, died Friday, May 17, 2019 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Manistique, MI on March 30, 1941 the son of Forest and Beulah (Blentlinger) Wheeler. He was married to Geneva (Huddleston) in Three Rivers and they have resided near Mendon the past 49 years. Ray had been employed at Petersen Spring in Three Rivers before his retirement. Ray loved the outdoors and his animals. He traded many horses over the years. He looked forward to mule-pulling at the St. Joseph County Fair where he was a puller, and later a judge.

Ray is survived by his wife, Geneva; two sons, Raymond F. (Olga) Wheeler, Jr. of Centreville; and Carl Wheeler of Mendon; four grandchildren, Andrew Wheeler, Amanda Wheeler, Steven Wheeler, and Andrey Gryaznov; a sister, Pauline France; brother, James Wheeler; and in laws, Beverly Riggs and Gary Huddleston. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Nancy Faulk.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, with Pastor Harold Brown of Maranatha Baptist Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 am until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mendon Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be directed to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com