Roger Wheeler

Roger W. Wheeler, 73, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Sunday, February 14 at Essentia Health-St. Mary's in Detroit Lakes. Funeral Services for Roger will be held Friday, February 19 at 11AM in First Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes. Reverend David Peterson officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 18 from 5pm-7pm at David Donehower Funeral Home and continue at the church one hour prior to services on Friday. Interment will be held in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Roger William Wheeler was born May 1, 1942 in Ames, IA to Raymond and Marjorie (Wharton) Wheeler. He lived in Ames until the age of 14. His family moved to a farmstead in Morris, MN where Roger graduated from West Central Agriculture School in Morris. On March 28, 1960, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Repose and USS Talladega. After proudly serving two tours in Vietnam and receiving numerous medals, ribbons and awards. Roger was honorably discharged October 11, 1967. Upon returning home, Roger began his career in trucking. He started working for Art Kohler Trucking later venturing out on his own. He purchased his own semi and operated his own trucking business until he retired in 2014. Roger was always proud of the numerous safety awards he received over the course of his 44 year career. When he wasn't working, Roger was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes and was also a member of the VFW, Eagles, DAV and American Legion Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Fargo Redhawks and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sporting events, especially hockey. Roger will be remembered and missed by his wife Jodi of Detroit Lakes, children: Joy (Dan Yocom) of Detroit Lakes, Bob (Lori) of Park Rapids, Michael of Ogema, William "Tolly" (Holly) of Detroit Lakes along with his eight grandchildren: Nicole, Dan (Leah) Toni (Tyler), Casey, Tanner, Tarissa, Shannara and Ryan. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Kennedy, Jacqulyn, Eleanor and Brantley, his mother: Marjorie Wheeler, one sister: Mary (Tony) Valese, brothers and sisters-in-law: Kathy Wheeler, Lenny Potter, Donna (Leon) Kohler, Deborah DeGroat, Connie Engebretson, Frank Miller, Bill Miller, Lyle Miller, Lowell Miller and Martha Miller. He is preceded in death by his father Raymond Wheeler, brother: Douglas Wheeler, sister: Margaret Simonson, brother-in-law: Wally Hadler and one granddaughter: Jacqulyn Wheeler along with mother-in-law: Josephine DeGroat, brothers-in-law: Arnie Miller, Roy Engelking, Donnie DeGroat, Paul DeGroat, and sisters-in-law: Beverly Lenz and Bonnie Engelking.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Service
Friday, February 19, 2016

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