Carl J. Wheeler

1943 - 2017

Carl J. Wheeler was born in Loudon County, Tennessee on May 11, 1943. He was the son of James Houston and Edna Mae (Farris) Wheeler. Carl graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1961. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably from 1962-1966, stationed in Okinawa and Guam.
Carl married the love of his life the former Virginia Rose Karnicki on April 26, 1969 at St. Patrick Church. He was a family man, with a strong work ethic and an overwhelming desire to provide anything that his family needed. He spent thirty-five and a half years employed at the Monroe Plant of Ford Motor Company. He often worked seven days a week and much overtime as a Tool and Die Maker retiring on April 1, 2002. Over the years, Carl always seemed to find a way to stay active in the lives of his children.
Carl was known to be stubborn and quiet, but was gracious to share his knowledge and quick wit. He and his bride worked on many projects restoring their one hundred fifty year old farmhouse. He often tended to the garden and orchard on their farm. An avid golfer, and member of Thorne Hills, he taught the game to those around him, taking many trips over the years to Florida and Texas visiting courses along the way. Carl enjoyed playing Farkle and trying his hand at the casinos.
Carl, age 73 of Carleton passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Ashley Court of Brighton. His passing was preceded by his parents; brother: James; and sister: Mildred "Midge" Heins.
To cherish his memory he leaves a wife of forty-seven years: Virginia of Carleton; three sons: Daniel (Stephanie) of Wixom, Raymond (Leslie) of Monroe, and William (Jennifer) of Sand Creek; two brothers: Roger of Kennedale, Texas and Wendell "Wade" (Michelle) of Burleson, Texas; one sister: Mary (Al) Sidell of Monroe; four grandchildren: Hunter and Luke Wheeler of Monroe and Makenna and Maddox Wheeler of Sand Creek; sisters-in-law: Patricia (Joel) Pelavin of Beverly Hills, Michigan, Donna Stewart of Purcellville, Virginia, and Betty Wheeler of Granbury, Texas; and brother-in-law: Fred Heins of Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Friends may gather for a memorial on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Veterans services under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138 will take place at 5:45 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the charity of choice. Online guests may visit, www.merklefs.com.