SPRINGFIELD - William Rodger Wheeler, 79, died Nov. 3, 2014, at his residence in Springfield following an extended illness.
He was born in Lincoln, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1935, to William Roger and Mary Elizabeth (Kenning) Wheeler. He married Sandra Josephine Dehner on Aug. 21, 1958, a loving and rambunctious union that lasted 56 years. Together they had five children: William Lee (Wendy Mettler), Mary Elizabeth "Liz", Kimberly Ann (Douglas) Euers, Bradley Michael (Tammy Hill), and Mona Lynn "Missi" (John) Whittington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas R. Wheeler; brother-in-law, Hubert C. Smith; and his parents-in-law, Frederick V. and Mona (Lutz) Dehner.
He is survived by his wife; children; sister, Betty Jo (Wheeler) Smith; brother, Paul "Rick" (Gloria) Meyer; and grandchildren: Seth William Wheeler, Emily Ann Wheeler, Allison Catherine Wheeler, Madeleine Anita Whittington and William Rodger Francis Whittington.
Bill began his career in media sales at The Lincoln Courier in his hometown of Lincoln, Ill., in 1958. An expert swimmer holding Red Cross certifications of Senior Life Guard and Water Safety Instructor, he was shortly thereafter hired by the Mt. Pulaski Park District to manage their swimming pool and skating rink during which time he taught swimming classes for grade school children.
He returned to media sales at WDZ Radio in Decatur and subsequently moved to Springfield with his family to become one of the first salesmen to offer the new WTAX FM station (now WDBR) to sponsors. He continued his involvement with swimming and coaching as diving coach at Illini Country Club and at the YWCA. He additionally used his swimming talents by volunteering as a charter member of the Springfield Underwater Search and Rescue Team.
His reputation as a successful salesman led the owners of a new station being developed for the Springfield market to hire him as the first General Manager of the first country and western FM radio station in Illinois: WFMB FM. Under his management, this station successfully hit the airways in 1965 and continues today.
When WPRC, Lincoln's only radio station, came up for sale, he took the opportunity to move into radio station ownership. He later returned to Springfield and joined Midwest Family stations specifically to assist in the revival of WNNS. While there he sold and managed their Sports Shows at the Convention Center, retiring after 44 years in the industry.
Bill was actively involved in charitable volunteer efforts in Springfield. He was named to the Board of Directors of the Illinois Veterans World War II Memorial in the development stages. As Public Relations Director he worked with the media and throughout the community to raise awareness for its successful completion. For his efforts, the Board of Directors honored him with an American flag flown over the Memorial. It was then presented to him in May of 2013 at a ceremony held at the Memorial.
Always an Abraham Lincoln buff, Bill was one of the first volunteers for the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, an effort which he thoroughly enjoyed and for which was asked many times to privately guide family and friends throughout the museum.
When his wife, Sandy, became the Executive Director of the LPGA golf tournament in 1979, he and their children jumped on board and did just about any and everything to help her attain her goals in presenting successful events. He hauled trash, he was a walking scorer, filled in wherever needed...and financially supported the event by playing in the pro ams. He became the voice of the tournament which lasted many years as he monitored the seven radio channels needed to keep things running smoothly.
Bill served his country for over 35 years. He began his military career on April 4, 1957, as a member of Battery "B", 754th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve. He advanced rapidly through the ranks of enlisted personnel, eventually accepting the position of Group Command Sergeant Major of the 303rd Ordinance Group in Springfield, Ill. In 1983, in honor of his high degree of professionalism, he was appointed to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, HQS, 86th U.S. Army Reserve Command in Chicago, Ill. As an ARCOM Command Sergeant Major, he served as an outstanding role model for soldiers of all ranks and experience throughout the United States. He completed his military service with the 687th Supply and Service Battalion in Decatur, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1995. During his career, he was awarded many commendations for distinguished and outstanding service, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Bill was widely known for his candor and sense of humor, which never left him during his years of decline. Devoted to family and country, generous with his time and talent, and always good for a laugh, our beloved husband, father and grandfather will continue to live through us all but will forever be missed.
Published in the Bloomington, Il. Pantagraph Nov 7, 2014
He was born in Lincoln, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1935, to William Roger and Mary Elizabeth (Kenning) Wheeler. He married Sandra Josephine Dehner on Aug. 21, 1958, a loving and rambunctious union that lasted 56 years. Together they had five children: William Lee (Wendy Mettler), Mary Elizabeth "Liz", Kimberly Ann (Douglas) Euers, Bradley Michael (Tammy Hill), and Mona Lynn "Missi" (John) Whittington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas R. Wheeler; brother-in-law, Hubert C. Smith; and his parents-in-law, Frederick V. and Mona (Lutz) Dehner.
He is survived by his wife; children; sister, Betty Jo (Wheeler) Smith; brother, Paul "Rick" (Gloria) Meyer; and grandchildren: Seth William Wheeler, Emily Ann Wheeler, Allison Catherine Wheeler, Madeleine Anita Whittington and William Rodger Francis Whittington.
Bill began his career in media sales at The Lincoln Courier in his hometown of Lincoln, Ill., in 1958. An expert swimmer holding Red Cross certifications of Senior Life Guard and Water Safety Instructor, he was shortly thereafter hired by the Mt. Pulaski Park District to manage their swimming pool and skating rink during which time he taught swimming classes for grade school children.
He returned to media sales at WDZ Radio in Decatur and subsequently moved to Springfield with his family to become one of the first salesmen to offer the new WTAX FM station (now WDBR) to sponsors. He continued his involvement with swimming and coaching as diving coach at Illini Country Club and at the YWCA. He additionally used his swimming talents by volunteering as a charter member of the Springfield Underwater Search and Rescue Team.
His reputation as a successful salesman led the owners of a new station being developed for the Springfield market to hire him as the first General Manager of the first country and western FM radio station in Illinois: WFMB FM. Under his management, this station successfully hit the airways in 1965 and continues today.
When WPRC, Lincoln's only radio station, came up for sale, he took the opportunity to move into radio station ownership. He later returned to Springfield and joined Midwest Family stations specifically to assist in the revival of WNNS. While there he sold and managed their Sports Shows at the Convention Center, retiring after 44 years in the industry.
Bill was actively involved in charitable volunteer efforts in Springfield. He was named to the Board of Directors of the Illinois Veterans World War II Memorial in the development stages. As Public Relations Director he worked with the media and throughout the community to raise awareness for its successful completion. For his efforts, the Board of Directors honored him with an American flag flown over the Memorial. It was then presented to him in May of 2013 at a ceremony held at the Memorial.
Always an Abraham Lincoln buff, Bill was one of the first volunteers for the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, an effort which he thoroughly enjoyed and for which was asked many times to privately guide family and friends throughout the museum.
When his wife, Sandy, became the Executive Director of the LPGA golf tournament in 1979, he and their children jumped on board and did just about any and everything to help her attain her goals in presenting successful events. He hauled trash, he was a walking scorer, filled in wherever needed...and financially supported the event by playing in the pro ams. He became the voice of the tournament which lasted many years as he monitored the seven radio channels needed to keep things running smoothly.
Bill served his country for over 35 years. He began his military career on April 4, 1957, as a member of Battery "B", 754th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve. He advanced rapidly through the ranks of enlisted personnel, eventually accepting the position of Group Command Sergeant Major of the 303rd Ordinance Group in Springfield, Ill. In 1983, in honor of his high degree of professionalism, he was appointed to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, HQS, 86th U.S. Army Reserve Command in Chicago, Ill. As an ARCOM Command Sergeant Major, he served as an outstanding role model for soldiers of all ranks and experience throughout the United States. He completed his military service with the 687th Supply and Service Battalion in Decatur, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1995. During his career, he was awarded many commendations for distinguished and outstanding service, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Bill was widely known for his candor and sense of humor, which never left him during his years of decline. Devoted to family and country, generous with his time and talent, and always good for a laugh, our beloved husband, father and grandfather will continue to live through us all but will forever be missed.
Published in the Bloomington, Il. Pantagraph Nov 7, 2014
SPRINGFIELD - William Rodger Wheeler, 79, died Nov. 3, 2014, at his residence in Springfield following an extended illness.
He was born in Lincoln, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1935, to William Roger and Mary Elizabeth (Kenning) Wheeler. He married Sandra Josephine Dehner on Aug. 21, 1958, a loving and rambunctious union that lasted 56 years. Together they had five children: William Lee (Wendy Mettler), Mary Elizabeth "Liz", Kimberly Ann (Douglas) Euers, Bradley Michael (Tammy Hill), and Mona Lynn "Missi" (John) Whittington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas R. Wheeler; brother-in-law, Hubert C. Smith; and his parents-in-law, Frederick V. and Mona (Lutz) Dehner.
He is survived by his wife; children; sister, Betty Jo (Wheeler) Smith; brother, Paul "Rick" (Gloria) Meyer; and grandchildren: Seth William Wheeler, Emily Ann Wheeler, Allison Catherine Wheeler, Madeleine Anita Whittington and William Rodger Francis Whittington.
Bill began his career in media sales at The Lincoln Courier in his hometown of Lincoln, Ill., in 1958. An expert swimmer holding Red Cross certifications of Senior Life Guard and Water Safety Instructor, he was shortly thereafter hired by the Mt. Pulaski Park District to manage their swimming pool and skating rink during which time he taught swimming classes for grade school children.
He returned to media sales at WDZ Radio in Decatur and subsequently moved to Springfield with his family to become one of the first salesmen to offer the new WTAX FM station (now WDBR) to sponsors. He continued his involvement with swimming and coaching as diving coach at Illini Country Club and at the YWCA. He additionally used his swimming talents by volunteering as a charter member of the Springfield Underwater Search and Rescue Team.
His reputation as a successful salesman led the owners of a new station being developed for the Springfield market to hire him as the first General Manager of the first country and western FM radio station in Illinois: WFMB FM. Under his management, this station successfully hit the airways in 1965 and continues today.
When WPRC, Lincoln's only radio station, came up for sale, he took the opportunity to move into radio station ownership. He later returned to Springfield and joined Midwest Family stations specifically to assist in the revival of WNNS. While there he sold and managed their Sports Shows at the Convention Center, retiring after 44 years in the industry.
Bill was actively involved in charitable volunteer efforts in Springfield. He was named to the Board of Directors of the Illinois Veterans World War II Memorial in the development stages. As Public Relations Director he worked with the media and throughout the community to raise awareness for its successful completion. For his efforts, the Board of Directors honored him with an American flag flown over the Memorial. It was then presented to him in May of 2013 at a ceremony held at the Memorial.
Always an Abraham Lincoln buff, Bill was one of the first volunteers for the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, an effort which he thoroughly enjoyed and for which was asked many times to privately guide family and friends throughout the museum.
When his wife, Sandy, became the Executive Director of the LPGA golf tournament in 1979, he and their children jumped on board and did just about any and everything to help her attain her goals in presenting successful events. He hauled trash, he was a walking scorer, filled in wherever needed...and financially supported the event by playing in the pro ams. He became the voice of the tournament which lasted many years as he monitored the seven radio channels needed to keep things running smoothly.
Bill served his country for over 35 years. He began his military career on April 4, 1957, as a member of Battery "B", 754th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve. He advanced rapidly through the ranks of enlisted personnel, eventually accepting the position of Group Command Sergeant Major of the 303rd Ordinance Group in Springfield, Ill. In 1983, in honor of his high degree of professionalism, he was appointed to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, HQS, 86th U.S. Army Reserve Command in Chicago, Ill. As an ARCOM Command Sergeant Major, he served as an outstanding role model for soldiers of all ranks and experience throughout the United States. He completed his military service with the 687th Supply and Service Battalion in Decatur, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1995. During his career, he was awarded many commendations for distinguished and outstanding service, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Bill was widely known for his candor and sense of humor, which never left him during his years of decline. Devoted to family and country, generous with his time and talent, and always good for a laugh, our beloved husband, father and grandfather will continue to live through us all but will forever be missed.
Published in the Bloomington, Il. Pantagraph Nov 7, 2014
He was born in Lincoln, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1935, to William Roger and Mary Elizabeth (Kenning) Wheeler. He married Sandra Josephine Dehner on Aug. 21, 1958, a loving and rambunctious union that lasted 56 years. Together they had five children: William Lee (Wendy Mettler), Mary Elizabeth "Liz", Kimberly Ann (Douglas) Euers, Bradley Michael (Tammy Hill), and Mona Lynn "Missi" (John) Whittington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas R. Wheeler; brother-in-law, Hubert C. Smith; and his parents-in-law, Frederick V. and Mona (Lutz) Dehner.
He is survived by his wife; children; sister, Betty Jo (Wheeler) Smith; brother, Paul "Rick" (Gloria) Meyer; and grandchildren: Seth William Wheeler, Emily Ann Wheeler, Allison Catherine Wheeler, Madeleine Anita Whittington and William Rodger Francis Whittington.
Bill began his career in media sales at The Lincoln Courier in his hometown of Lincoln, Ill., in 1958. An expert swimmer holding Red Cross certifications of Senior Life Guard and Water Safety Instructor, he was shortly thereafter hired by the Mt. Pulaski Park District to manage their swimming pool and skating rink during which time he taught swimming classes for grade school children.
He returned to media sales at WDZ Radio in Decatur and subsequently moved to Springfield with his family to become one of the first salesmen to offer the new WTAX FM station (now WDBR) to sponsors. He continued his involvement with swimming and coaching as diving coach at Illini Country Club and at the YWCA. He additionally used his swimming talents by volunteering as a charter member of the Springfield Underwater Search and Rescue Team.
His reputation as a successful salesman led the owners of a new station being developed for the Springfield market to hire him as the first General Manager of the first country and western FM radio station in Illinois: WFMB FM. Under his management, this station successfully hit the airways in 1965 and continues today.
When WPRC, Lincoln's only radio station, came up for sale, he took the opportunity to move into radio station ownership. He later returned to Springfield and joined Midwest Family stations specifically to assist in the revival of WNNS. While there he sold and managed their Sports Shows at the Convention Center, retiring after 44 years in the industry.
Bill was actively involved in charitable volunteer efforts in Springfield. He was named to the Board of Directors of the Illinois Veterans World War II Memorial in the development stages. As Public Relations Director he worked with the media and throughout the community to raise awareness for its successful completion. For his efforts, the Board of Directors honored him with an American flag flown over the Memorial. It was then presented to him in May of 2013 at a ceremony held at the Memorial.
Always an Abraham Lincoln buff, Bill was one of the first volunteers for the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, an effort which he thoroughly enjoyed and for which was asked many times to privately guide family and friends throughout the museum.
When his wife, Sandy, became the Executive Director of the LPGA golf tournament in 1979, he and their children jumped on board and did just about any and everything to help her attain her goals in presenting successful events. He hauled trash, he was a walking scorer, filled in wherever needed...and financially supported the event by playing in the pro ams. He became the voice of the tournament which lasted many years as he monitored the seven radio channels needed to keep things running smoothly.
Bill served his country for over 35 years. He began his military career on April 4, 1957, as a member of Battery "B", 754th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve. He advanced rapidly through the ranks of enlisted personnel, eventually accepting the position of Group Command Sergeant Major of the 303rd Ordinance Group in Springfield, Ill. In 1983, in honor of his high degree of professionalism, he was appointed to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, HQS, 86th U.S. Army Reserve Command in Chicago, Ill. As an ARCOM Command Sergeant Major, he served as an outstanding role model for soldiers of all ranks and experience throughout the United States. He completed his military service with the 687th Supply and Service Battalion in Decatur, Ill., on Aug. 14, 1995. During his career, he was awarded many commendations for distinguished and outstanding service, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Bill was widely known for his candor and sense of humor, which never left him during his years of decline. Devoted to family and country, generous with his time and talent, and always good for a laugh, our beloved husband, father and grandfather will continue to live through us all but will forever be missed.
Published in the Bloomington, Il. Pantagraph Nov 7, 2014
Bio by: Carrie
