Richard "Rich" Wheeler Sr.

Born November 21, 1947 in Pekin to William C. and Edith (Tresch) Wheeler, he married Brenda Mock on July 29, 1988 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are six children, Rita (Hallie) Beimfohr, Richie Wheeler, Tanya (Gregor) Herberger, Justin Wheeler, Trina (Adam) Freeman and Tracy (Adam Piro) Wheeler, all of Pekin; 31 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Jim (Ann) McGinnis of Westminster, Colorado and Bill (Rae) Wheeler of Pekin and two sisters, Joyce Nelson of Pekin and Carol (Tom) Page of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, David Beimfohr and three brothers, Ronnie Wheeler, Danny Wheeler and Earl Wheeler.

He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Rich owned and operated Wheeler Roofing and Remodeling in Pekin for 30 years.

He loved singing Karaoke and he always enjoyed being called “Rich Cash” because he impersonated Johnny Cash so well. He also enjoyed fishing and gambling, but family time was most important to him. His grandkids were his best friends. Rich will be remembered as a strong, loving, caring and funny man. He was known to be quite the jokester.

He was a member of New Life Fellowship in Pekin and Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869.

His memorial visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor Mark Utech will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. A celebration of life gathering will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 274 Derby Street in Pekin following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com