Larry John Wheeler

Larry John Wheeler, son of Leonard and N. Nadine (Meyer) Wheeler, was born June 1, 1945, in Carroll, Iowa, and died July 28, 2017, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 72 years, 1 month, and 27 days.
Larry was baptized at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa. He attended rural school near Exira then graduated from the Exira High School with the Class of 1963. Larry was employed at various jobs and later drove a milk truck for a short time. In January of 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps. with his brother Charles. They went through boot camp together at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, and were both shipped out to Viet Nam together. While serving in Viet Nam, Larry was a scout sniper. On September 16, 1968, he was honorably discharged one day before his brother Charles was discharged. Both Larry and Charles then enrolled in Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, where they passed their required courses and transferred to Drake University. Larry studied accounting for several years and also worked at Super Valu warehouse in Urbandale, Iowa.
On February 25, 1983, he married Sandra Boggs from Pound, Virginia. They have three children Colby, Matthew, and Stacey. For several years, Larry continued to work at Super Valu during the nights, while operating Wheeler Brothers Farms with his brother Charles during the days. He retired from farming and continued to work at the warehouse until he retired when the warehouse closed in 2000. Larry was then employed in the maintenance department of the Exira Community Schools for several years, which he described as the best job he ever had. Following that, he did lawn maintenance with Tim Jensen until he retired in 2008. Larry and Sandra enjoyed traveling in the southern United States. Larry loved to fish, especially with his grandchildren, collect guns, and garden. His specialty was growing tomatoes. Larry loved going to the horse races and casinos, and he also loved to play cribbage, especially when it meant beating sons Matt or Jason. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially during the Christmas season.
Larry was a member of the Exira Christian Church. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the American Legion in Exira, Iowa.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother Craig Wheeler; and his niece Shannon Wheeler.
Survivors include his wife Sandra Wheeler of Exira, Iowa; his children Colby Wheeler and fiancé Tara Peterson of Atlantic, Iowa, Matthew and wife Danielle Plante of Cheshire, Connecticut, and Stacey and husband Jason Adams of Bella Vista, Arkansas; his grandchildren Nathan, Colissa, Marissa, Rayden, Drayven, Garrett, Korben, and Kaydence, Victoria and Lucie, Isabella, Lily, and Jasper; his brother Charles Wheeler and friend Dixie Petersen, and his sister Sandra and husband Jeffrey Bauer, Sr., all of Exira, Iowa; his brothers-in-law Larry and wife Pat Gibson of Savannah, Georgia, Howie and wife Teresa Boggs of Bristol, Tennessee, and sister-in-law Mary Burows of Roberts, Montana; his beloved dog Copper; many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
The family will meet with friends Tuesday evening August 1, 2017, at 5:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Glen Meyers on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery. The casket bearers will be Colby John Wheeler, Matthew Alexander Plante, Jason Christopher Adams, Zachary Charles Wheeler, Jeffrey Allen Bauer, Jr., and Tony Dean Young.