Granvel Frederic “Fred” Wheeler, Jr., 70, of Oak Harbor, died March 11, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Wheeler was born in Seattle on Nov. 22, 1938, to Granvel Frederic Wheeler, Sr. and Delores Geraldine (Hermes) Wheeler. He attended Seattle schools and graduated from Highline High School in 1957. Following his graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving his country for several years in the SeaBees. Following his honorable discharge he attended Seattle Community College and then Everett Junior College, receiving a certificate as a journeyman carpenter.
Fred married Jeannette Walker in 1963. He worked in construction in the Seattle area until an injury in 1973 made it necessary for him to take a two-year break. In 1975, Fred returned to construction, and he poured foundations for many new homes in the Redmond area. Fred served as a building inspector for the town of Redmond for five years. After this, he moved to Willow, Alaska, and then Wasilla, Alaska, where he started a Langenwalter Carpet Dying franchise, which he successfully operated for a number of years. He was a member of the Wasilla Lake Church of the Nazarene.
Fred married Deborah Ann Shepard on June 6, 1998. They moved to Oak Harbor in 2006, where they became members of San de Fuca Chapel.
Fred is survived by his wife Deborah, at home in Oak Harbor; two daughters, Marguerite Ebert and husband Hal of Redmond and Carol Estridge of Everett; two sons, Granvel Stewart Wheeler and James Wheeler, both of Wasilla; one step-daughter, Michele Hodnett and husband Shawn of Las Vegas; one step-son, Michael Shepard and wife Melissa of Martinez, Calif.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two step-grandchildren; and one sister, Linda Wheeler of Tacoma. He was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Wheeler.
A memorial service will be Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. at San de Fuca Chapel, Pastor Cliff Horr officiating. This will be followed by a graveside committal service at Sunnyside Cemetery, with military honors under the auspices of NAS Whidbey Honor Guard. Memorial donations are suggested to Village Missions, 696 E. Ellendale Ave., Dallas, OR 97338. Friends wishing may sign the guestbook online at www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are through Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
