Barbara Anne Wheeler

Barbara Anne Wheeler, 95, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Otterbein-Cridersville. She was born July 26, 1930, in Sidney, Ohio, the daughter of the late Melvin and Mary (Meyer) Elsass. On August 30, 1952, she married Harold F. Wheeler, and he preceded her in death on July 23, 2004.

Survivors include,

5 sons, Rick (Tonia) Wheeler, Crawfordsville, IN,

William Wheeler Columbus, OH,

Daniel (Cindy-dec) Wheeler, Riverview, FL,

David (Debbie) Wheeler, Wapakoneta,

John (Tina) Wheeler, Wapakoneta;

11 grandchildren;

15 great grandchildren;

sister, Marilyn Speckman, St. Marys, OH.

Barbara was a longtime member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta, and a 1948 graduate of St. Joseph High School. She worked as a census taker with Robinson Directories and managed the Cheese Wedge, Wapakoneta. She also served as the first Welcome Wagon Hostess of Auglaize County, and along with her husband, Harold, owned and operated the Dairy Queen on Auglaize Street, Wapakoneta. Barbara enjoyed crafts, painting, and recently, coloring.

Private family funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Otterbein-Cridersville, or Universal Home Health & Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.