James A. Wheeler, age 73 of Ogallala, passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012 at his home.
Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10th followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with Fr. Bryan Ernest as celebrant. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Jim was born November 12, 1938 at Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Clifford “Hap” and Mary (Brady) Wheeler. He attended elementary school in Council Bluffs. He worked in his father’s drug store as a young man and attended Creighton Prep High School and Creighton University where he was a member of ROTC. He later also attended Automated Institute and received a certificate in computer programming. He worked as a computer programmer for Peter Keiwit and Sons before moving to Ogallala in 1972 to open a Western Auto Store. He was later employed by the Ogallala Community Hospital as a data processor.
Jim was a Boy Scout leader and a youth baseball coach. His hobbies included bowling, gardening, bird watching, puzzles and going to garage sales. He was an active member of the Regional Art Council.
Survivors include two daughters, Therese Wheeler and Mary (Dave) Barnes both of Ogallala; two sons, John (Cathy) Wheeler and Mike (Becky) Wheeler both of Ogallala; one sister, Peggy (Joe) Respeliers of Council Bluffs, IA; grandchildren, Tony Reyna of Ogallala, Tim (Jenelle) Reyna of Bennett, CO, Tiffany Reyna and fiancé Zeke Peterson of Brule, Camille (Aaron) Ballagh of Burwell, NE, Stephanie (Jeff) Armour of Ogallala, Kelsey (Jake) Snow of Ogallala, Elisha Stanislav of Lincoln, NE, Ryan Barnes of Ogallala, Jennifer (Joe) Rodriquez of Manhattan, KS and Austin Wheeler of Ogallala; and nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathyrn in 2007; his parents, Clifford “Hap” and Mary Wheeler; grandson, Davey Barnes; great granddaughter, Alejandra Reyna; and a niece Kathy Jo Reinhardt.
Memorials may be directed to Creighton Prep High School or the Ogallala Regional Arts Council in his memory. Online condolences may be sent to gubserfuneralhome.com. Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.