Gordon Odean Wheeler

Gordon Odean Wheeler passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2025. Gordon was born June 20, 1939 in Story City, IA to parents Kenneth and Bertha (Madson) Wheeler. He grew up on a farm South of Stanhope, IA. Gordon went to the Clear Lake #4 Country School and graduated from Stanhope High School with the class of 1957 where he made many lifelong friends.

Growing up, he worked on several farms of family and neighbors in his community and assisted with the local cemetery. After graduation, Gordon worked at the Webster City Machine manufacturing factory and then worked with the D.O.T. on highways and bridges all over Iowa. He was drafted into the Army in 1962 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

He married Karen Kaye Hand in 1963 and they had a long and loving marriage of 58 years. They raised three daughters and lived in California, Oklahoma, Iowa, South Carolina, and returned to Iowa again in 2017.

He worked for Laura Scutters in Los Angeles, CA and Speedstar in Enid, OK. He worked for Webster City Schools and Farmland near Fort Dodge IA. He was often self employed as a talented and sought after wood worker and builder. He spent retirement in Summerville, SC and Marion IA.

Gordon was a good man and loyal friend to so many people. He loved the outdoors and working with his hands. He especially loved his family and cared deeply about the people in his community and his country. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and his family. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

He is survived by his daughters Lisa (Scott) Chafin, Cynthia (Eric) Anderson, and Renea (Carol) Wheeler, three grandchildren Ben Anderson, Marissa Chafin and Katherine Anderson. His brothers Richard, Duane(Shirley), and Ronald (Linda) Wheeler, his step- siblings Carole Davis, Susan (Brian) Elliott, and Patricia (Patrick) Ribbey as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Bertha and Kenneth Wheeler, his brother Kevin Wheeler, his nephew Michael Barlow, his brother-in-law Delvin Hand, his sisters-in-law Brenda Hand and Donna Hand, his step-mother Mary Wheeler, his step brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Marsha Ingamells, and his beloved wife Kaye Wheeler.

A celebration of life will be held for both Gordon and Kaye on May 23, 2026 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Jewell Iowa. Full details will be published at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Miracles in Motion, 2049 120th St. NW, Swisher, IA 52338