Robert D. "Bob" Wheeler
November 01, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert D. Wheeler, of Ankeny, Iowa. He was 81 years old, a retired Des Moines Fire Chief with 29 years of service, as well as an East High graduate.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruth Wheeler. He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Vogelaar) of 64 years and his three children, daughter LeAnn (Brian) Folden, son Bob (Patty) Wheeler, and daughter Lori (Victor) Otto; 7 grandchildren, Jacob (Amber), Zac (Katie), and Caleb (Erika) Wheeler, Ashley (Scott) Cieri, Alisa Folden, Clint (Gabby) and Cole Otto; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Tucker, Bailey, Grant, Bella, Gracie, Hudson, Tillie, Brooke, Alyssa, Madison, Kamden, Adaline, and Graham; as well as his brother, Ron Wheeler.
He and his wife enjoyed winters in Destin, Florida, their Corvette, and being with family and friends.
Bob was a very loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He will be forever in our hearts, minds, and voice in our ears. He was loved greatly.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave. in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. The family respectfully requests guests wear masks and practice social distancing.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Robert.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Patricia Dian McClure
11/04/2020
I am Bob's first cousin. I am a wheeler. His dad and my dad are brothers. I wish I would have known I would have attended. Prayers for all he was a great man
Darlene Hacker
11/04/2020
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Debbie Hall
11/04/2020
Bev, LeAnn, Bob, Lori & family. I'm so sorry for your loss. May you feel God's presence and comfort with you at this time.
Dave Burford
11/04/2020
I have very good memories of Bob. He was my Captain and District chief on the DM Fire Dept. I will always remember him as a very caring man who would actually listen to you and give advice. I have so many Bob stories. Thanks. Capt Dave Burford
Sherry Barnard
11/04/2020
Wheeler family - I am so very sorry for your loss. My mom, Judith, was Bob's cousin. Her parents were Dan & Ina Wheeler. May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
Doty McElvogue-Hills
11/03/2020
Lori, I'm so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Harris
11/03/2020
Bobby. I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and the families in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Dewey
11/03/2020
Bev, I'm sorry for you loss and hopefully we can have lunch once again soon. Stay strong!
Curt Brooks
11/03/2020
So sorry for your loss, what a great guy. It was a pleasure to have known him!!!
BRAD & Rebecca McAninch
11/02/2020
So sorry for your loss.
Linda Rasmussen Mason
11/02/2020
So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts, and sending prayers and hugs❤