Gary Wheeler

Gary Paul Wheeler, 74, of Fergus Falls died June 12, 2025 at his home surrounded by family, following a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Gary was born November 6, 1950, to Paul and Ruth Wheeler of Arlington Heights, Illinois, where he was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1968 and received his BS degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in 1972. He met his first wife, Lieselotte, in college and they were married in 1971 for 17 years until her untimely death in 1988. They had four children together. He met his second wife, Annette in Chugiak, Alaska. They were married in 1991 and had two additional children together.

After college Gary proudly served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force on a Minuteman Missile Crew and as a Crew Commander at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, earning the rank of Captain. He left the military to pursue a master's degree in Fisheries Science at SDSU, graduating in 1979.

Gary went on to work as a Biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Southern California. He later took a position with the US Minerals Management Service which brought him and his family to Anchorage, Alaska. As his career advanced, he moved into Refuge Management positions with the USFWS in Fairbanks and Kodiak, Alaska, where he retired in 2012. He was an avid bird watcher and worked assiduously to protect natural habitats. After retirement he continued to support environmental education serving as a member and president of the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Gary was a lifelong Christian and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ was of the utmost importance to him. He served in leadership roles in Christian organizations in college and at churches in Montana, California, Alaska and at Good Shepherd Church in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He had a love for music, playing guitar with worship teams, and singing in the church choir for many years. He also served the Lord sharing the Gospel as a member of Gideons International.

Gary spearheaded many adventures both professionally and for his family. From float plane trips in the Alaskan wilderness to rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon on a raptor survey, he was truly able to experience the beauty of God's creation. He loved his family and made sure they also grew to love the outdoors, taking them out on many camping, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and fishing expeditions. Gary also coached his kids' soccer teams, helped lead boy scout troops, and volunteered to accompany field trips. He never missed a chance to play a board game. His sense of humor and zest for life was an inspiration for many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Wheeler, and first wife Lieselotte Wheeler. Gary is survived by his wife, Annette Wheeler of Fergus Falls; sister Lynne Kronvold (Kenneth Kronvold) of Chino Valley, Arizona; six children, Todd Wheeler of Springfield, Oregon; Erin Jones (Douglas Hopper) of Eagle River, Alaska; John Wheeler (Jonathan Custer) of Washington, DC; Mark Wheeler of Anchorage, Alaska; Joshua Wheeler of Fergus Falls; and Kari Eckhardt (Jonathan Eckhardt) of Lincoln, North Dakota; and four grandchildren, Emmaliese and Esher Jones; and Noah and Drew Eckhardt.

Blessed be the memory of Gary Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church, Fergus Falls, MN; Gideons International; or Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Dale Hexum

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com