Obituary

ROGER L. WHEELER, 84, of Irvine, California passed away peacefully in his home on June 19, 2023 with Elaine, his loving wife of 52 years at his side. He was born September 11, 1938 in Bluffton, Indiana and grew up on a farm in Strattanville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Varion and Lillian Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Varion and Lillian; his sisters Doris Yanello and Marilyn Frazier; and his brother, Ronnie Wheeler. Survived by his wife, Elaine; sister Joyce Buss; and brother Ted Wheeler. Roger served our country by joining the Army and spending his tour of duty in Okinawa. Upon returning home, he crossed country on a Harley motorcycle finally ending up in Bell, California. He moved to Irvine in 1974 where he remained until his death. Roger’s hobbies were photography, Ham radio, tinkering in his garage and people watching. After his retirement in 2001, he and Elaine spent the next 20 years traveling the world while also seeing much of the USA. Although Roger was a man of few words, he had a kind and generous heart. His smile, twinkle in his eye, and his dry sense of humor made it so easy to love him. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Honoring Roger’s request, he will have a private interment July 5, 2023 at El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Road, El Toro, California.

As animals have always had a special place in Roger’s heart, please consider, in lieu of flowers, making a donation to: Irvine Animal Care Center 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA  92618.

Gone But Never Forgotten