Donald Wheeler Obituary

Donald E. Wheeler, 88, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 1:55 pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.
He was born on December 15, 1936, in Pontiac, IL, to Lawrence A. and Cora M. (Jacobson) Wheeler. He married Theresa M. "Gus" Eaton on November 30, 1979 in Peoria, IL.
Surviving are his wife, Theresa of Metamora; children, Vicki Napoleon of Wheeling, IL, Donald "Rick" (Carrie) Wheeler of Fort Worth, TX, and Sheri Mathus of Wilmington, IL; grandchildren, Jacquie (Fil) Tejeda, Ryan (Melissa) Wheeler, Khyle Wheeler, Taylor Mathus, Gabriel Mathus, and Daxton Wheeler; five great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Alan Harkrader of Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Mark Napoleon, sisters Margaret and Mary Ellen, and brother Lawrence Wheeler.
Don was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He started his working career as a heavy equipment mechanic and worked his way up to service manager. A job offer at Peoria Tractor, the local CAT dealer, brought him to Peoria where he met Gus. After a brief stint at the Michigan CAT dealership, he opened a branch warehouse for Industrial Tractor Parts in Memphis, TN.
In 1989, he made the decision to move back to the Peoria area and run Cranes & Equipment with his business partner, Joan Ausbury, who had been a co-worker at Peoria Tractor. They built a business and market for poured wall cranes sold across the United States. Other applications for articulated, mostly truck mounted cranes, soon grew the company into a successful business. In 2007, they sold the business to the employees. Don and Joan stayed involved as consultants for several years until Don reluctantly retired for real.
Don enjoyed working. C&E was his passion. He loved Cranes & Equipment, his partner, his employees and his customers. He also liked to tinker in the yard and in his shop. He liked to travel and was always ready for a new adventure. He was a private pilot and enjoyed flying with Gus, also a pilot. He was an avid fan of Rivermen Hockey and enjoyed watching Peoria Chiefs baseball games. He volunteered at Soldier Hill with other veterans, keeping grass mowed and maintaining the lawn mower that he donated. He was a good, optimistic and hard-working guy who will be greatly missed.
Cremation rites accorded. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Springdale Cemetery, Solider Hill, 3014 North Prospect Road, Peoria, IL 61603. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
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