John William Wheeler
John William Wheeler, 78, of Westmont. Beloved brother of Richard (Ronnie) Wheeler. Loving uncle of Michelle (Tim) Heffernan, Richard E. Wheeler, Jr. “J. R.” and Robert and Bridget Livingstone. John is also survived by great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held May 21. For more information please contact Allan Heydorn at allan.heydorn@gmail.com. RSVP requested by May 8.
John was a retired teacher at Lyons Township High School with 28 years of service and he was advisor of the award-winning school newspaper, “The Lion.” Memorials in John’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Downers Grove, at 630/964-6500.
RIP Jack.
You will always be “Jack” to me and to the others who comprised the North Rush “gang.” I shall miss your smile, your laugh and your wisdom! RIP.
Jerry
John, you will always be my dear friend and mentor, as both Olivia and I student taught under you in 1998 and 1999, respectively. I am thankful for our friendship, all that you taught me, your limitless faith in me and my career, that I was able to see your beautiful flowers on your patio, see plays with you, have you in our home to share stories, and that I visited you in the hospital with such hope we would see “Oscar” and “The Outsiders” at Goodman. I regret we never made it to the Hemingway conference in Petoskey. You will always be dear to me and my family, and when I look down at the cuffs on my pants, I will remember who taught me that is how to wear them.
Erik
I got to know John Wheeler in fall 1974 when I took his journalism class as a junior. I lived and breathed The Lion student newspaper my junior and senior years at LT (I was the Editor in Chief my senior year), and it was a fantastic growing and learning experience. John was one of the best teachers and mentors I ever had, and he had a big, positive and lasting impact on my life. Thanks Mr. Wheeler. Steve Cook
What a wonderful , kind teacher and journalism mentor. John will always be remembered by those of us fortunate to have him as a teacher and as a mentor on The Lion as a gifted educator and a kind caring role model.
I Thank God for having had the opportunity to know John and benefit from his guidance on how to help others through fact based journalism.