O. Dean Wheeler, 81 of Soldier, KS, died Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Community Hospital Onaga. He was born November 23, 1930 in Galatia, KS the son of Orville Thomas and Augusta Carolina Hester Wheeler.
Dean attended schools in Hoisington, KS. He served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. Dean had a dairy farm in Soldier, KS for many years.
Dean enjoyed fishing, hunting, calling in coyotes, attending grandkids sporting events and was an avid K-State fan.
Dean married Lois A. Rieschick on June 14, 1953 in Soldier, KS. She preceded him in death on January 22, 1996. Dean married Ramona Pelton on August 16, 1996 in Oklahoma City, OK. She survives. He is survived by a son, Jerry (Annette) Wheeler of Soldier, KS; daughters, Connie (Stan) Arney of Wichita, KS, Dora Gakle and fiancé Noel Clark of Claremore, OK, Kelly (Steve) Browning of Havensville, KS, Tawni (Randy "Buck") Myers of Havensville, KS and Brandi (Brandon) Bergstresser of Rossville, KS; grandsons, Benjamen (Danielle) Wheeler of Manhattan, KS and Bryson Wheeler and fiancé Heather Matzke of Holton, KS; 21 step-grandchildren and 18 step-great grandchildren. Dean was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathan Wheeler in 1980; a sister, Opal Dumler and brothers, Lester and Jack Wheeler.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Alzheimer's Association c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.