Mr. Val D. Wheeler

January 10, 1940 - September 25, 2017

Val D. Wheeler, 77 of Morton, formerly of East Peoria, died at 1:35 PM on September 25, 2017 at OSF ST. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Val was born on January 10, 1940 in Peoria to Glen and Ruby (Russell) Wheeler, he married Ruth Connolly on January 23, 1967 in Creve Coeur. Val and Ruth celebrated 50 years of marriage in January, by renewing their vows. This time surrounded by family and friends in Florida. Val is survived by 3 Daughters Dannette Rumsey of Morton, Kari Wheeler of Groveland, and Bekah (Fred) Dirkse of Pekin; 1 Son Devin (Colleen) Wheeler of Chesapeake, VA.; Also surviving are his 2 sisters Carolyn (John) Gladwell of Creve Coeur and Donna (Gary) Scheerer of Morton, 1 brother Dan (Carol) Wheeler of Florida; He was lovingly known as Papa to his 19 Grandchildren, River and Addy Rumsey, Gannon, Tanner and Brenna Gardner, Skylar, Brea, Jett and Dean Wheeler, Corey, Catelyn, Brittany, Ashley, Devin and Emma Snodgrass, Taylor (Nick) Toel, Kaiah, Dax and Ender Dirkse and 3 Great Grandchildren, Evey Toel, Kashtian Carmichael and Oliver Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his parents. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and golfed as often as his wife would let him. He was an all-around great athlete, playing baseball, basketball and football for East Peoria High School class of 1958. He played baseball for Western Illinois University on a scholarship. He served 6 years in the Army Reserves. Val worked as a construction foreman for many years in the Peoria market including time at I.C.S. Construction Services, Ltd. After retirement, Val and Ruth spent their winters in Panama City Beach, Florida. He was a member of the Community United Church of Christ in Morton. Visitation will be Tuesday Oct. 3, 2017, from 5 to 7 PM at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 444 E. Washington Street, East Peoria. In celebration of the Cubs clinching another division title the family asks that you wear your Cubs memorabilia. The service will be Wednesday Oct. 4, 2017 at 10 AM at Community United Church of Christ in Morton, with a visitation 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be at Roberts Cemetery in Morton. Memorial may be made to St Jude. Online condolences may be left at GaryDeitersFuneralHome.com