Eugene Wheeler, 85, of Rochester, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Gene was born on April 16, 1938, in Mansfield, IL., the son of Kathryn and Willard Kemplin.

He married Sandra Newman on August 5, 1962 in Forrest, IL. After graduating high school in 1956, Gene and 7 of his classmates joined the US Marines and served together. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and youth baseball. Gene coached little league baseball in Rochester where he was a positive influence on all of his players and their families. He had warm relations with everyone he met and "checked all the boxes" in life. His three granddaughters were the light of his life and nobody could make him laugh like they did. Gene loved his granddogs, Jacob, Pepper and Charlotte.

He was also a member of Rochester United Methodist Church.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lyle Wheeler; and one sister, Shirley Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons Michael and Greg (Denise) Wheeler; three granddaughters, Lauren Bolden, and Olivia and Sophie Wheeler; as well as three nephews, Aaron and Jeff Wheeler, Roger Cole; and one niece, Vicki King.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Blue Ridge Club, 411 E. Lake Shore Drive, in Springfield from 2:00Pm-6:00PM.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rochester United Methodist Church 555 South Walnut, Rochester, IL. 62563, or PAWS (Protecting Animal Welfare Society) Jacksonville, 400 W. Walnut St, Jacksonville, IL. 62650.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.