Carl Conrad Wheeler passed away at the age of 79 on March 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
He was born in Modesto, CA and lived in Stanislaus County his entire life. He was raised on a dairy where he worked alongside his family milking cows, farming, and hauling hay. As an adult he worked for George Reed Trenching, hauled hay for Melvin T Wheeler & Sons and Clyde Wheeler Pipelines where he retired from the Operating Engineers. Soon after retiring he bought another hay truck, going back to the life he loved, hauling hay and driving truck.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sandra Wheeler, his siblings Roger Wheeler, Richard Wheeler, Clyde Wheeler, and Gaylene Wheeler-Calhoun, his daughters Tracy Wheeler-Fernandes (John), Kelly Wheeler-Zucker, Melanie Wheeler-Bairos (Bill), Michelle Wheeler-Shears (Rich), Carlene Wheeler and Mary Wheeler, 20 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Melvin and Sophie Wheeler, sister Marion Wheeler-Ross, brother Melvin Wheeler, brother George Wheeler and his grandson Cody Sorensen.
Carl was always known to be a hardworking, kind, loving and generous man. All who knew him loved him dearly. Always the first to lend a hand to family, friends, neighbors or the occasional stranger. The word NO was not in his vocabulary. He had an amazing love for animals. Throughout the years he and his wife, Sandy, raised cattle, horses, dogs, cats, and goats. He loved to be outdoors, visiting with family and friends on his back porch or you could find him at Black Oak! Always a loving husband, father, father-in-law, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend he will truly be missed by many as he was very loved by all.
Services will be held on April 14 at 1pm at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel, 419 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Burial to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
April 12, 2023
