"Rick Wheeler, I have many happy memories of you. I can't remember an unkind word coming from your mouth. Your greatest display of emotion could be seen in your eyes, unless of course you were wearing your aviator sunglasses, which still left your smile visible. Thank you for all of the delicious food that you and Jeanne shared with our family, chicken nuggets being one of your most famous dishes. I was surprised to find out that spam salad could be so good! You and Jeanne found a beautiful homestead and made it your own. What a special place to raise two daughters. As a talented craftsman you have left many treasures behind. You are a man who loves his family. I know in my heart if a person is missing you all they need to do is to step outside and enjoy the beauty of nature and they will feel your presence. "
In loving memory of
Richard Edwin Wheeler
September 17, 1954 - November 13, 2012
Richard E. Wheeler
Mr. Rick Wheeler of Fredonia, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee following complications from surgery. He was 58 years old. Rick was born September 17, 1954 in Port Washington, where he was raised by his grandfather, Joe Berres. On July 14, 1984, he was united in marriage with Jeanne Treptow at Covered Bridge Park in Cedarburg. Rick owned and operated Wheeler Tile & Home Improvements since 1985. He was a master craftsman who excelled at ceramic tile installation, and making tables and lamps. An outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing and 4-wheeling with family and friends, as well as cooking, grilling, and gardening. Rick is survived by his wife Jeanne of Fredonia, and their two daughters: Kelly and Sarah, both of Stevens Point. He is further survived by his brothers Gene (Linda) Berres of Mukwonago and Jerry (Joann) Berres of Port Washington, father-in-law Dean (the late Mary) Treptow of Roscoe, MT, brothers and sisters-in-law: Joe Treptow of Milwaukee, Ed Treptow of Cedarburg, Suzy (Brian) Roelofs of Sartell, MN and Kim Treptow of Brookfield. He is also a loving uncle to nine nieces and nephews: Stacy, April, Adam, Alicia, Ana, Lucas, Lauren, Garrett and Hayden and is further survived by cousins, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Joe Berres. A Memorial Service will be held at 4PM on Saturday, November 24 at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington. Father Al Veik will officiate. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 1-4PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to an Educational Fund for Kelly and Sarah Wheeler at Port Washington State Bank. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .
Tributes
"To Jeanne, Kelly, and Sarah I'm so sorry for your loss. Rick was a kind, caring, and fun man. I'm lucky to have myself a PBR lamp (one of Rick's masterpieces). My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. "
"To the family of Rick: May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I'm very sorry for your loss Jeanne. You and Rick built something special together and raised a fine family...he will be missed. Please accept my condolences and my thoughts and best wishes are with you and the girls."
"Dear Jeanie and Family, I am so glad we have the fun memories of Rick helping us with our tiling in the bathroom which led to him talking about wine and cooking. He was so sweet to bring over a dish so we could have a taste. It is so hard to believe he is gone. I talked to him just a few weeks ago... God bless you all. "
"Dear Jeannie, Sarah and Kelly, So sorry for your loss. Take time for yourselves and let you family and friends comfort and help you. Rick was a good friend to my family and will certainly be missed and thought of often. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. love Jodi (Kim Nugent's sister)"
"My sincere condolences on the death of your dear husband and father, Jeanne, Kelly and Sarah. Marilyn Brath"
"To the entire family of Ricky: I can remember many years ago my brothers hunting in the woods behind your grandpa's house with Ricky and Jeri. You guys would get so excited if you got a squirrel or racoon. We are all so sorry for your loss and may the good memories live on in your hearts. Love, Sandy (Grabarczyk) and Ken Budreck "
"Jeannie, Sarah and Kelly, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Keep your memories in your heart, those can never be taken from you. God Bless!!!"
"Mrs. Wheeler and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. You mean a great deal to us and only hope that we can offer our hearts to you as you have to us.
Cathy, Cory & Brady Stern"
"Jeannie, my thoughts and prayers have been with you this past week and will contine as you say goodbye. I pray for you to find peace in your heart. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Katie Mentink and Family"
"Dear Jeannie. We are so sorrey for the loss of Rick. Our very best to you and the family The National Flag Day Foundation"
"Condolences to Rick's family, and special thoughts for you, Eugene. Warm regards, Lis "
"Dear Jeannie, Kelly, Sarah, and family, We are so sorry for the sudden loss of Rick. There are no words to express the saddness we feel for you. Rick was an amazing friend and neighbor who never went by without stopping in! We looked forward to his short visits and garden produce! He will be missed by so many. RIP Rick...Our prayers for your family and strength to go on. Love, Cathy & Al Stern"
"Jeannie, sarah , Kelly and family, I am so very sorry for Ricks sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have many happy memories of Jeannie and Ricks true love!! May all of your many memories help you through the tough times... Love you all!"
"Jeanne, Kelly, and Sarah... I am so very sorry. My prayers are with you all. So many wonderful memories to share I could write a book! I am deeply saddened but so very thankful that he was a part of my life for so many years. Jeanne, if you're up to it, give me a call. I'm always here for you. God Bless."
"Dear Jeanne and girls,
My prayers to you and all of your family during this very difficult time. I am so sorry to hear of your lose. Know that prayers are being sent to you.
Jennifer Hanschke and family"
"Dear Mrs. Wheeler and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We hope that you all can find comfort in God's loving arms. Carol and Steve Grandparents of Emma Vlotho"