Michael C. Wheeler

A golden heart stopped today. Mike had a long and brave fight battling cancer but God said, "Come with me my son. It is time to rest." He is safely home now and resting. Michael Conrad Wheeler, 68, of Bismarck, ND, passed away September 6, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10:00 AM at Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a KC Rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. He was born to Carlyle and Lila Allen Wheeler in Williston, ND, on April 28, 1946. Growing up in Ray, ND, Mike worked hard helping his mom and dad on the farm. He loved visiting his grandparents, especially after school and summer vacation. These moments solidified the bonds he had with them that lasted his whole life. Many times he would fondly recall the special moments he had with them. He attended Ray High School and graduated in 1965. He then attended and graduated from University of North Dakota in 1969 with a Bachelor's in Social Science. He was proud to be a UND alum. During this time, Mike worked the pipeline and while in Sidney, MT he caught the flu and ended up meeting his future wife, Janice Rudolph at the hospital due to her being his nurse. This chance meeting turned out to be true love as they proceeded to spend a lifetime together. Michael and Janice were married February 1, 1969 at Sacred Heart Church in Bainville, Montana. As their life-long journey began together, they were blessed with a teaching job in Hague, ND and their first child, Michelle. Sons Brent, Kyle, and Jay soon followed. Michael taught in Hague, Killdeer, Wibaux, Sidney, Medicine Lake, and Williston. This span covered 34 years and included English, Social Studies, and Librarian positions. In 1978, he accepted a Middle School Librarian position in Sidney, MT. While raising his young family there, he spent the next 10 years in that position and took great pride in his library. He also enjoyed being on the Sidney Public Library Board. The oil boom was in full force during this time so raising a family was costly. He would work in the summer with Pipeline Companies and Road Construction, selling KB Chemical Supply, and at Holly Sugar during Christmas time. He was a great salesman and his children enjoyed riding along with Dad, meeting his clients, and climbing on inventory. He was always very proud of his family and included them in his activities when he could. In 1988, he was hired to be the Librarian for the Medicine Lake School. While in Medicine Lake, MT dad loved his new library and working with kids from Kindergarten through High School. He helped many kids find their way prior to their graduating. Mike coached many sports in school including basketball, football, and track. Girls and boys of various age groups enjoyed success as he never had a losing season. It was super important to him that the kids he coached experienced winning. He got everything out of each participant he coached and expected 100 percent effort out of them. He really loved coaching his own children and also in retirement, he coached his grandkids whenever possible. He was super proud while watching any of them play. Mike was preceded in death by his father Carlyle Wheeler; Grandparents George and Isabel Kerbaugh Allen, and William and "Mamie" Wurm Wheeler; father and mother-in-law Leo and Dorothy Enquist Rudolph. He is survived by wife, Janice Rudolph Wheeler of Bismarck, ND, four children and ten grandchildren. Daughter Michelle Mark Burckhard children Larissa LaPray, Jayce LaPray, Jacob Burckhard and Jerys Burckhard of Minot, ND; son Brent Melissa Wheeler children Owen Wheeler and Morgan Wheeler of Minot, ND; son Kyle Wendy Wheeler children Terrell Wheeler and Brady Wheeler of Bismarck, ND; and son Jay Tamara Wheeler children Miyah Wheeler and Izabela Wheeler of Bismarck, ND. Dad always wanted at least ten grandchildren...mission accomplished! Also, survived by his mother, Lila Allen Wheeler of Williston, ND; brothers Pat Renae Wheeler of Burlington, ND, and Tom Lynnette Wheeler of Ray, ND; sisters Faye Krogen of Williston, ND, Maye Jones of Minot, ND, Beth Wheeler of Williston, ND, and Tina Brad Gudvangen of Benson, AZ. Michael, until we meet again know that we love and miss you very much.

Michael C. Wheeler

April 28, 1946 - September 6, 2014