Gene Wheeler, 8o

Eugene C. “Gene” “Wheels” Wheeler, age 80, of Sturgis, passed away early Sunday morning, November 7, 2021 at his home.
He was born June 20, 1941 in Sturgis, son of the late Fred Leroy and Emma (Koehl) Wheeler.
Gene was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1959.
On May 28, 1960 he married the love of his life, Martha “Marty” Bauman in Colon.
Gene retired from International Paper in Sturgis following several years of dedicated employment as a truck driver. He had also worked several years for Consumers Power.
Gene was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Air Force earning the rank of Airman First Class.
He was a member of Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion and Loyal Order of Moose #574. Gene had many hobbies and interests including pitching horseshoes, singing karaoke, playing golf and camping but what he truly loved was time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 61 years: Marty; one daughter: Dawn (Howard) King of Mendon; four sons: Raymond (Shana) Wheeler of Thayne, Wyoming, Fred (Terri) Wheeler of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Jeff (Sandy) Wheeler of Visalia, California and Walter “Wally” (Sherri) Wheeler of Sturgis; 10 grandchildren: Jesse King, Josie King, Charlie Wheeler, Becky Wheeler, Brittney Fumia, Jeremy Wheeler, Angel Wheeler, Cody Wheeler, Avery Wheeler and Brianna Wheeler; 12 great grandchildren; one brother: Roger (Joann) Wheeler of Elkhart, Indiana and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Emmy Ellen Knavel and brother: Fred “Sonny” Wheeler.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life and the sharing of a meal will begin at 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the American Legion Post #73, 500 W. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis where full military honors will be conferred at 1:00 Saturday by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Gene’s memory consider American Liver Foundation, P.O. Box 299, West Orange, NJ 07052.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences for the family.