Frederick Ivan Wheeler was born July 26, 1934 to Leroy and Laura Clingerman Wheeler in Brazil, Indiana. He married Cathy Ann Taviega on April 6, 1967 in Aurora, Illinois and were later divorced. To this union three sons were born: Leo, Frederick, and William. Frederick worked as a groundskeeper at St. Charles Country Club in St. Charles, Illinois. He also owned Wheeler Trucking. Frederick was a “singer,” manager, and owner of the country bands: R.W.J.J.T Rangers/Aurora Express and Fox River Valley Boys. He was also described as the world’s best lumberjack.

Those left to cherish Frederick Ivan Wheeler are his children: Leo Wheeler of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Frederick Ivan Wheeler Jr. of Amboy, Illinois, William Jacob Wheeler of Santa Fe, Texas, and Ivy Lynn; three sisters: Barbara White of Eldora, Iowa, Janice White of Iowa Falls, and Charlene White of Iowa Falls; 13 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Frederick was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Laura, sister Thelma Colclasure, brother Robert Wheeler, and daughter Sandra Marie.