Private services for Rick Wheeler will be announced at a later date. Premier Cremation Services are handling Rick's remains. Please make any thoughts or comments you have about Rick in his guestbook. It would be very much appreciated.

Rick was extremely fun, clever, adventurous and fearless! He loved his family, playing poker and watching the Warriors basketball team. He had health issues as soon as he retired. His treatment was relentless but he was determined and courageous all throughout. It finally caught up to him on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026.

Survivors include Joyce Anderson Wheeler, wife; sons, Rick E. Wheeler (Becky, wife), Troy L. Wheeler, Jeremy Wheeler (Kaitlyn, wife), and Joshua Wheeler, all of Springfield; one grandson, Lucas Stinson of Nokomis; two granddaughters, Hayley and Jade Wheeler of Springfield; three great-grandchildren, Everleigh, Easton, Jasper and soon to be born, Tucker; one aunt, Garnet Cook, of Jacksonville and cousins remaining.

Rick's mother, Doris Ann Lippert, preceded him in death. Everyone knew her as Memaw and was loved dearly by all. Our Dear Friend/Godmother to our children, Carol Alderson, also preceded him in death.  We're sure Rick and Carol are up in Heaven bickering about which one was the better poker player and who really got us lost the most times on our family vacations :)

He attended Jacksonville schools throughout his younger years.

He graduated from the Culinary Institute at ICC in Peoria. After graduation, he accepted a position at the Ramada Inn in Peoria, Illinois, (doesn't sound so fancy now - but that's where all the big shots stayed during the 1970s). His biggest thrill was when a Secret Service man came in the kitchen and was directed to Rick. He gave Rick a $100 bill and said it was from President Nixon with his compliments for Rick's premier prime rib.

He continued in the chef business in Springfield. Tried various jobs but then he found his calling -- Kitchen/Bath design and sales. He worked at Rearden Kitchens for years. He was an excellent salesman and he gained a reputation for his creative designs.

He loved preparing family/holiday meals for as many 25 relatives. He had to stop, when his health failed.

If you would like to make a donation to one of Rick's favorite donations they are the Animal Protective League or the Parkinson's Foundation