George L. Wheeler Obituary (1941 - 2024)

George Leslie Wheeler, 82, of Putnam, passed away Friday January 26, 2024, 5:16 am at Henry Rehab & Nursing, Henry. George was born April 27, 1941, in Princeton, IL to Leslie and Cecelia (Stapp) Wheeler. He married Colleen Bundy on August 10, 1986, in Henry, IL. She survives in Putnam. Also surviving are his children, Deborah Wheeler-Rose, of San Diego, CA, Elizabeth Wheeler-Bierman, of Gainesville, FL, Carrie (Jared) Fidler, of Lacon, IL his stepsons, Scott Bundy, of Enid, OK, and Timothy Bundy, of Henry, IL his grandchildren, Aimee (Taylor) O’Connell, Kyle (Chelsie) Wheeler, Madison Rose, Damaris Fidler, and Camden Fidler, great-grandchildren, Everly and Parker O’Connell His siblings, Marcia Johnson, Lura (Steve) Hamilton, both of Chillicothe, IL Lois Crook, of Henry, IL and Robert (Linda) Wheeler, of Tiskilwa, IL along with many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents, one son, David Andrew Wheeler, one grandson, David “DJ” Leslie Wheeler. preceded him in death. George graduated from Tiskilwa High School and attended Bradley University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Caterpillar and retired after more than 40 years of service as a mechanical engineer. George was a former member of the Henry Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church, with Putnam Christian Church being his last church. George was a former board member of the Methodist Church, a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Scottish Rites. He was a trustee of Senachwine Township and a board member of the Putnam Cemetery. George enjoyed serving his community. He was a co-guardian of the Chief Senachwine burial site and private museum of Native American artifacts which is located on the Wheeler family farm. He enjoyed giving private tours of the burial site and museum. He was also a 4th generation member of the Lone Tree Gang. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a hobby stock car racer with many trophies. George was born into a farming family and held a love and respect for farming. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be Monday January 29, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Henry United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 am at the church. Pastor Terry Broady will officiate. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: www.calvertmemorial.com.