Wheeldon, Joseph Leroy 1936-2007

WHEELDON, BOWERS, SILL

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/25/2008 at 15:36:40

Joseph Leroy Wheeldon was born on July 30, 1936, in Ford, the son of Joseph and Veda (Bowers) Wheeldon. He was raised in the Beech, Hartford and Vandalia areas.

Leroy was united in marriage to Virginia Sill on Feb. 15, 1957, in Ackworth. As a young man, Leroy worked for Maytag and drove a truck for Polk City Grain. He then worked as a machinist for Eagle Iron Works until his retirement in 2000.

Additionally, he farmed for Avery Spalti throughout most of his working life. After retirement, he took care of the Memorial Hall in Pleasantville and worked on small engines.

He enjoyed restoring cars and working on anything mechanical. Leroy and Virginia enjoyed camping, country music shows and parading in their antique cars. He was a very family oriented man, enjoying time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Leroy passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 71.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Agnes Rogers Christensen.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, children; Ginny (Jim) Schaefer of Monroe, Ron (Carol) Wheeldon of Newton, Diane (William) Fulton of Carlisle, Greg (Bette) Wheeldon of University Park, eight grandchildren: Brad, Sarah, Katie, Eric, Bethany, Kaila, Alex and Kenzie, 1 great-grandchild, Kylie; two sisters, Louise (Dee) Snow of Chariton, Helen (Les) Roff of Knoxville, brother-in-law, Ivan Christensen of Greenfield, uncle, Forest Bowers of Pleasantville, and aunt, Dorothy Shives of Knoxville, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service was held at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville on Nov. 17, 2007, with Pastor Larry Walker officiating.

Interment was in the Hartford Cemetery in Hartford. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or to the Pleasantville Rescue Unit.

The Knoxville Journal Express, December 10, 2007