Benjamin Wheeler
May 10, 1977 - Feb 14, 2020
Ben Wheeler, 42, of Modesto, California, went to home to Jesus on February 14th, 2020. Ben was born in Turlock, California. After a short time in Minnesota as a young boy, Ben grew up in Modesto, and attended Modesto Christian School. Upon graduation from Davis High School, Ben joined the US. Navy. He served four years during the Persian Gulf, and soon after the end of his term, met his wife of 20 years, Kate. Following his military term, Ben began his career as a Therapeutic Behavioral Aide, first at Sierra Vista, then Big Valley Helping Hands, He was hooked, and it was evident that he found his calling. Ben then pursued his passion for at-risk youth as a Correctional Officer at Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall. After a decade in the correctional field, God opened doors for him as the Juvenile Justice Ministry Director for Youth for Christ Central Valley. This career change allowed him to make more of an impact for an at-risk population in desperate need of Christ's love and purpose for their lives. Ben served this population unselfishly and relentlessly, never delaying in sharing the gospel or providing any need necessary.
Ben is survived by his wife, Kate Wheeler, a daughter, Merrika Mackay (23), their son Zane Wheeler (17), their daughter Hope Wheeler (12), his mother Patricia Wheeler of Modesto, and a sister, Alysa Wheeler of Nampa Idaho.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 10 am at Big Valley Grace Community Church at 4040 Tully Road in Modesto. Reception with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations to be made to Youth for Christ Central Valley (scyfc.com), and Without Permission (withoutpermission.org),
www.cvobituaries.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Modesto Bee from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Wheeler

15 Entries

Cheri Lovejoy

February 24, 2020

My dear Tricia,
How heart-broken I was to learn this morning of the loss of your precious son. I know how you loved him and how proud you were of his many accomplishments. I am praying for your comfort and peace at this time. I am also praying for his wife and children that they, too, will experience God's grace and peace at this difficult time. Matthew 5:4

February 23, 2020

Kate,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May you find strength and peace during this difficult time.
Sheri Biasca

K O

February 22, 2020

All good memories ❤

Michelle (Mitchell)

February 21, 2020

Ben, you were there to listen to me about my daughter in the Navy and our shared passion for helping the youth in the hall. I so enjoyed our conversations. My prayers to your family.

Devon Johns

February 21, 2020

I didn't know you Ben, but I wish I had. I am finding that I know a few people that knew you well. Their love and respect for you is obvious. Peace be with you and may our Lord bless all those lives you were blessed to touch for the better. I am deeply sorry for the loss of you in the lives and hearts of your family, friends and all those whose lives you touched. Its times like this that keeps me humble and vigilant in the way I interact with others. God bless you and yours Ben. Rest in peace brother. Chaplain Devon Stewart Johns.

Earl Matthews

February 21, 2020

He was always kind to me. We knew each other since we were teenagers. He really did have a big bright light. I'm sad that he left this world so soon. I don't know his family but, they are in my thoughts and I wish them all the best.

Wanda Arnold

February 20, 2020

God has shown Himself good and you life has made a difference in your world. Im praying for your family as they will miss you so much.

Kimberly Servante

February 20, 2020

Id like to extend my condolences to the Wheeler family. Im so sorry for the loss of a great human being. I knew Ben in high school and we had many mutual friends. I always remember him as a kind soul. May he Rest In Peace, free from pain.

Tina Hegwood

February 19, 2020

Ben, you are loved by many. So many life lessons you have taught those blessed to have known you. Your spirit will live on...Rest in Peace Ben

Secily

February 19, 2020

Its been a pleasure to have known you. You made my times in the hall go by fast. Your energy, & spirit was so positive. Theres no way that myself or anybody else that you helped. wouldve made it through our teenage years without you. You will be missed by many many many of us.

Dana Vasquez

February 19, 2020

He was one of the most beautiful people Ive ever met

Christie Berlin

February 19, 2020

Oh Ben...I don't have words...you were my brother from another mother. You believed in me when I told you my crazy idea to become a chaplain..you sat in my office encouraging me and told me that God doesn't called the qualified. You always saw me...what a gift. I will forever be better because I knew you, and I will forever miss and love you.

Wade Patton

February 19, 2020

I met and worked with Ben at Sierra Vista. Although we were the same age, in high school, we didnt know each other. Love the way you loved Ben. You are/will be missed.

Selena lopez

February 19, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Ben wheeler was an amazing person who has been apart of my family for many years. He invited my dad and I over many times for different occasions years back. Hes helped out my dad so much throughout the time we have known him. You will deeply be missed Ben. REST IN PEACE

Christie Berlin

February 19, 2020

Oh Ben...I don't have words...my brother from another mother. You believed in me becoming a chaplain when I wasn't sure myself...but you sat in my office reminding me that God doesn't call the qualified...you saw me...that's what made you so amazing. I will always be better for knowing you...even though you did your best to drive me crazy. I bet Jesus has had to tell you to "Settle Down"...Love you brother...I will miss you always.

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