Fred Guy Wheeler Jr

Fred Guy Wheeler Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication. Born on March 28, 1956, in Coldwater, MI, Fred was the beloved son of Guy and Wilma Wheeler. He was predeceased by his father, Guy Wheeler Sr., and his brother, Jim Wheeler. Fred's journey was intertwined with the love of his life, Linda, whom he met in Coldwater. United in marriage in May of 1979, Fred and Linda shared an incredible 51 years together, nurturing a family grounded in love and mutual respect. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Fred Wheeler III and Yolonda Wheeler, who, along with their partners and families, continue to honor his legacy. Fred's life was rooted in Coldwater, where he graduated from Coldwater High School. He started his career in agriculture, tending to the family farm, before moving into the manufacturing industry. His skills in equipment and machinery maintenance were unparalleled, earning him a respected position at Airway Manufacturing, where he also served as the union president for a decade. Fred retired in 2022, having left an indelible mark on his colleagues and the industry. A man of many passions, Fred was known for his adventurous spirit, especially as a car enthusiast in his younger days. His love for playing "chicken" with his cars, followed by the meticulous rebuilding of them, was legendary. Fred's Harley Davidson adventures, including a memorable ride to South Dakota with Linda in 2009, spoke volumes of his zest for life. A passionate collector and marksman, Fred's love for firearms was well known, as was his lifelong affection for animals. Throughout his life, he surrounded himself with dogs, cats, chickens, and other birds, embodying his dream of self-sufficiency on his family property. Fred's later years were spent in joy tending to his garden, crafting chicken coops, canning his harvest, and baking homemade bread from scratch. His actions spoke louder than words, as his family felt his love through his devotion and hard work. Known for his large stature and stubbornness, Fred's tough exterior belied a deep well of love for his family, which he expressed more openly in his later years. Fred is survived by his loving wife, Linda, their children Fred Wheeler III, Yolonda Wheeler and Zachary wheeler son-in-law Seth, siblings Larry (Ally), JoAnn, Mary (Dan), Mike (Martyjo), Tina (Archy), eight cherished grandchildren—Madison, Brennan, Taylor, Blake, Dominick Wheeler, Eli Adams, Ayden, and Dezmin Stahlhood—and two adored great-grandchildren, Kyrie Poindexter and Zaelah Wheeler. Fred's family invites those who wish to honor his memory to consider making a donation to a charity of their choice, reflecting Fred's generous spirit and love for community. His life was a testament to the power of hard work, love, and family, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.