Gary D Wheeler

Gary D. Wheeler passed away December 18, 2023 in Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 84 years. He was born June 24, 1939 in Bethesda, Ohio.

Gary is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda Wheeler; children Holly (Dan) Harrer, Sonja (Mike) Guinan, and Kari (Don) Curtis; grandchildren Jake (Jessica) Harrer, Haley Harrer, Robert (Hannah) Harrer, Josh Guinan, Rachel Guinan, and Ben Curtis; great-granddaughter Evelyn Harrer; and other family and friends.

On July 16, 1961, Gary married Linda Maxwell and they began their life together sprinkled with a few military deployments.  Gary proudly served his county in the US Air Force until 8.1.1977.  He then worked at the Omaha post office as a mail handler until he retired.  

Papa, as he was known best by family and friends, was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He was a modest man who enjoyed simple pleasures like sitting on the porch swing in the fall talking to visitors or family, listening to old country music (Willie, Waylon and the boys) and watching Wheel of Fortune. 

He was a wonderful father and instilled in his children the importance of working hard, being honest, treating people well and taking care of family.  Always there for us as we grew up, he was devoted to caring for our cars (keeping them serviced, clean and with a full tank), moving us all over Lincoln during college (much to his chagrin), giving us rides to and from the airport at all hours of the day and night, and calling to check in on us. 

Many fond memories remain including going out to eat for his favorite meal of the day - breakfast, waking up for school to his revelry call every morning, long rides around the town just to get out of the house, following the Boston Celtics, buying mom a box of Whitman sampler chocolates every year for Christmas and most fondly, the saying he used when any of his “kids” left the house “Drive Safe and Give Your Signals”.   

He was a great man and we will miss him dearly.    

Love you Papa

Interment, with military honors will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family.