Ralph H. Wheeler

Ralph H. Wheeler, age 83, of Kankakee, quietly passed away just after midnight on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born June 18, 1940 in Momence, the son of Howard and Eva Donaldson Wheeler. Ralph graduated from Momence High School. He owned and operated The Western Auto Store in Momence from 1960-1983. He and his bride, Mary H. Brouillette married in August of 1961. He spent the next 35 years as an Area Director for Wycliffe Bible Translators, raising needed funding for literacy and Bible translation globally. During his tenure with Wycliffe, he funded over one hundred translations in as many tribes and countries. The Capstone of Ralph’s missionary career was traveling to Papua, New Guinea and dedicating the New Testament for the Sepik Iwam Tribal Group. In his later years, Ralph enjoyed traveling, camping, and especially fishing. He mentored many young people and led Bible studies in his home for all ages. Ralph loved his family, church family, and had a special spot in his heart for his friends at Blue’s Café. Surviving are his wife, Mary H. (Brouillette) Wheeler of Kankakee; his children, Louann (Mike) Lucas, Lorie (Ron) Cain, Michael (Cara) Wheeler, Douglas (Christine) Wheeler; his grandchildren, Aaron (Rachel) Wheeler, Benjamin Lucas, Jacob (Madison) Lucas, Ashley Wheeler, Eric Wheeler, Heather (John) Evers, Emily Cain, Olivia Cain, Lauren Cain, Sophia Cain, Preston Cain-Burger; ten great-grandchildren; and his best friend of 50 years, Jeff Jacob. Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard and Eva Wheeler; two sisters, Linda Koets and Joyce Ann Zinninger; and one grandson, Adam Cain. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held 5-8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 at River Valley Christian Fellowship in Bourbonnais. An additional memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Saturday, January 6, 2024, also at River Valley Christian Fellowship in Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to River Valley Christian Fellowship, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Grace Christian Academy, and River Valley Animal Rescue.

Ralph H. Wheeler

June 18, 1940 - January 1, 2024