Eric Vernon Wheeler

Wheeler, Eric Vernon May 17,1971 - May 21, 2013 Eric was born in Kentucky. He moved to Minnesota at 5 months old to begin a life of firsts in people with Down Syndrome. He participated in the first study of early infant stimulation through the U of M project EDGE until he was five years old. Eric graduated from Mpls. Roosevelt High in 1990 where he earned the first athletic letter for participation in Special Olympics and attended his Senior Prom. In 1991 he began acting in a volunteer group of disabled actors. He starred as Bubba in "Bubba Nielson Endangered Species" and in 1996 in "Let Heaven and Nature Sing" at the History Theatre. He-performed in numerous other plays throughout his 22 year acting career. Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts opened in 1996 with Eric as the founding actor. He traveled the USA and the world with Interact exemplifying the capabilities of people with Down Syndrome. His "GRAND FINALE" was performed on May 18th in "By the Seat of Our Pants". Eric is survived by parents Lowell & Phyllis Wheeler, brother Arnold (Lila), his sons Benjamin and Adam, sister Karwyn Lindahl and children Kristofor (Rachel), Jamie, Kory, Nicholas and their children Victoria, Christian and Aidin. Eric will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial Service Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00PM sharp at the Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Gathering & Celebration of Eric's life to follow. Private interment at a later date. Memorials preferred to Interact Center 212-3rd Av. N. Suite 140, Mpls., MN 55401 www.Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.