GARY J. WHEELER
A Graveside Service for Gary J. Wheeler was held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Orleans Cemetery, in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Jason Bonnicksen officiating, with Military Honors provided by the Harold Morin American Legion Post #184 of Orleans in conjunction with the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.
Gary J. Wheeler, 73 years of age, of Republican City, Nebraska, died on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the Harlan County Health System in Alma. Gary was born on February 16, 1948, in Holdrege, the only child born to J. B. and Iva Lee (Dorr) Wheeler. He received his primary education from Orleans Public School and graduated from Orleans High School with the class of 1966. Gary pursued two years of higher education before being drafted into the United States Army on July 22, 1969. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Gary was wounded and later received a Purple Heart Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 13, 1971. Gary was a Proud American!
On March 13, 1977, Gary was united in marriage to Kristy Watermeier at Harlan County Lake, and this union blessed Gary with a son Justin Dorn. Later Joel was born. The couple made their home in Republican City at the lake. The marriage later ended in divorce.
Gary opened and ran the Lazy Wheel Bait Shop in Alma for 24 years, he then worked for the United States Postal Service where he retired as a Rural Route carrier.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and later in life riding his motorcycle hitting all 48 contiguous states. It was while riding his motorcycle, that Gary started visiting veterans memorials in the towns they traveled to. Gary was a driving force in getting the Veterans Memorial in Alma organized and saw it through to its completion in 2009. He would take destination trips to see the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall and he was instrumental in getting the wall to Alma prior to the installment of the Veterans Memorial. Gary was a member of the Harold Morin American Legion Post #184 of Orleans.
Gary lit the fireworks during the Alma 4 th of July celebration for the past 40 years. He was one of the founding members for the Harlan Lake association and tournament director for the Nebraska Governors Cup for 18 years.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Justin Dorn and his wife, Jessica.
He leaves to celebrate his life, his son, Joel Wheeler and his wife, Lisa of Alma; four grandchildren: Caleb and Callen Dorn; and Devyn and Brandt Wheeler; along with a host of other relatives and friends.
A visitation was held on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the Harlan County Veterans Memorial Wall.
Expressions of kindness and caring can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.
