"Just a
Closer Walk with Thee" - by the Gerald F. "Jerry"
Wheelers --- Senior and Junior
Uploaded
by TromboneJer
on Mar 24,
2012 --- then sent to Barbara Drews, York '52, in March, 2012
On 25
July 2009 I visited my Dad in Irvine, CA and I was
playing with my relatively new iPhone and I recorded us
playing a few tunes. This is the first clip that I am
editing. Pops passed away 12 days ago on 12 March 2012.
I am glad that I recorded this--- on that day.
Please wait
for video to load...and once loaded, it will play automatically--- but play only one-time only.
FOR MORE ON JERRY WHEELER, GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
For the record, in
case you don't already have it, Jack was born in Oak
Park, IL on July 13, 1934. Jack and I were more
like brothers than friends. We went as far back
as second grade at Roosevelt School on the North side
of Elmhurst. As young kids, if he wasn't at my
house, I was at his. Guess you could say we were
unseparable. It's the loss of not only a very
close high school buddy, but a lifelong friend as
well To those of us who knew and loved him, he
has created a large void in our lives and will be
greatly missed.
Tributes to
Jerry F. Wheeler
(1934 - 2012), York '52...
To the best of my knowledge, Jerry F.
Wheeler (1934-2012) died without any published obituary. Jerry
was married twice, first to Jean, who predeceased Jerry by some
20-years, and then shortly before Jerry's stroke in 1998, Gerry
got married again to his now surviving and devoted wife, Mary.
Together, Jerry and Jean had one predeceased daughter and three sons:--- Jerry, Jr.,
______________, and Christopher. And while married to Jean--- since Jean was a sister to Sharon Christianson, York '52--- Jean and Jerry took into their home in California the
children of Sharon "Shay" Christianson, York '52 shortly after Shay's death. Sharon's children, were all related to Jean Wheeler as
Jean's nieces (and nephews?).
There may well be others from the York '52 Class who might want
to contribute something here in his memory, and if so please
send them to me via e-mail at crow@vt.edu . Here are a few
remembrances, each serving as a tribute to Jerry's life and his
passing from our midst in March, 2012:---
At
07:40 PM 3/14/2012, Barbra Drews, York'52, wrote:
Hi Punky,
Sorry I have been such a slug
about helping. Had some minor surgery, a very
dear close friend of mine passed away and not
my plan but have been busy business wise.Just
got a E-mail from Tarri(Sharon Christianson's
middle daughter) went to live with her Aunt
Jean in Ca. after Shay died. Jean was married
to Jerry Wheeler. Just wanted to let you know
Jerry passed away Monday nite.
Barb D.
On 3/15/2012 2:52 PM, Carroll
Knight, York '52, wrote:
Bruce,
It is sad when you learn of a
classmate dying especially one you knew fairly
well in school. We played football together, dated
some of the same girls and hanged out in the same
group. He came from Chicago and moved into the St.
Charles apartment. Jerry`s father took care of the
maintenance at the apartments. Jerry later did
become a air force officer. Not sure where he went
to college, possible Illinois.
On 3/15/2012 9:11 PM,Barbra Drews, York'52,
wrote:
Bruce,
I stay in touch with Sharon Christianson's
daughter Tarri. Shay's children went to live
with Jean (Shay's sister) and Jerry after Shay
died. Jean passed away many years ago, probably
20, they had a daughter who also has passed and
a son Jerry Jr. Tarri is in contact with Jerry
Jr. so I will try to get you the info you asked
for. Jerry remarried before
our 50th,wife(Mary).
Hope all of your family is doing well. I
should be able to get you the info in a couple
of days
Hope to see you at our big 60ty
Barb Drews
On 3/26/2012 11:37 AM, Barbra Drews, York'52,
wrote:
Hi Bruce,
Sorry this took me so long.
Jerry had a third son, youngest-
Christopher. Jerry's birthdate was June 4,1934
It must be difficult to give up that
beautiful place you have. Whatever the
circumstances, family trumps all. Good luck to
you on your move.
Barb
And then this from Tarri Fennel---Shay Christianson's (York'52's daughter)
--- a picture of Jerry Wheeler, York '52--- via Barbara Allen Drews, York '52, received on Jerry's birthday, June 4, 2014 --- Jerry's birthday being June 4, 1934.
Thank
you very much for getting a hold of me and remembering my father
so fondly!
Yes,
you have my permission to use the video. I would very much like
to get you more details of Dad's life and help with his
announcement on the memorial page. I would also like to
announce that I will be arranging a celebration of Dad's life
something during the first weekend of June (2nd & 3rd) in
Southern California. I would be very happy to meet or
communicate with any of my Dad's friends.
Sorry
for the delay getting back to you. I am a working musician with
a day job too and I tend to get behind with personal and
domestic duties.
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