Dick Wheeler

October 30, 1934 - March 30, 2017

John Richard "Dick" Wheeler passed away March 30, 2017, at his home in Lindon, Utah, at the age of 82.   Born October 30, 1934, in Poplar, Idaho, to Albert and Marcellene Jenson Wheeler, Dick attended Buck School, then graduated from Ririe High School in 1953.  He was active in sports and theater.   On May 28, 1953, he married his sweetheart, Ina LaRae Brown.  After working briefly as a grain deliveryman, he worked west of Idaho Falls at the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) site for Phillips Petroleum.  Several years later he attended trade school and learned the electrical trade, while working as an electrician.  In 1962, he left Phillips and founded his own electrical company.  Over the next 55 years, Dick Wheeler Electric grew and evolved into Wheeler Electric, Inc.   Dick had a passion for skiing and taught all of his children and many grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and golf. He had a talent for singing and loved to sing in barbershop quartets. His greatest love was flying and he used that skill often for business and pleasure. Dick and LaRae loved to travel, visiting many global sites.   An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in numerous callings, including Bishop of the Iona 3rd Ward and youth leader. He and his sweetheart, LaRae, had the privilege of serving in the Hawaii Honolulu mission (1992-1994).  Dick was active in the Boy Scouts and earned the Silver Beaver Award.  As a volunteer, he assisted in developing the Explorer Olympics.  A member of the Idaho Falls Barbershop Association, he was involved in a number of their musical productions.  He also served on the Idaho State Electrical Board.   An honest, hard worker, Dick was known for his charitable nature and his great love for his family.  He worked hard to nurture those relationships. He always demonstrated a special love for his wife, LaRae.  Dick and LaRae are the parents of six children, 30 grandchildren, and 66 great-grandchildren.   Dick is survived by his wife, LaRae; his children, Douglas (Sue) Wheeler, Diane (Bing) Roberts, Peggy (Mike) Parker, Jeff (Debbie) Wheeler, Janice (Mark) Crosby, Lois (Ken) Spinder; sisters, Margaret Treasure and Vicki McKinney; and brother, Randy Wheeler.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Shirley Roberts; and brothers, Max Wheeler and Victor Wheeler.   As a family, we offer heartfelt thanks to IHC Home Health Care & Hospice and many devoted, private caregivers for the loving and gentle care of our father.   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at the Idaho Falls LDS Castlerock Church, 260 Castlerock, with Bishop Jon Parker officiating.  The family will visit with friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Wood East Side, 963 S. Ammon, and Tuesday from 10 -10:45 a.m. at the church.   The family will also visit with friends from 6:30 -8 p.m. Sunday, April 9th at Utah Valley Mortuary, 1966 West 700 North, Lindon, UT.  Burial will be in Ririe-Shelton Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.uvfuneral.com and www.woodfuneralhome.com.