Stephen E. Wheeler

Stephen Eric Wheeler
Steve "Wheels" Wheeler died on September 12th, 2023 at age 53. Steve was born in Nyack, NY on November 18th, 1969 and adopted by parents Philip and Carol Wheeler. He grew up with his parents and brother Scott in Spring Valley, NY and later Ridgefield, CT. His family moved to Madison, WI where he finished his junior and senior years of high school at JMM and he went on to get his bachelors degree at Curry College in Boston. He moved back to WI, got his master's degree at UW River Falls, and chose to settle down in the Twin Cities because as he would say "I fell in love with a Minnesota girl."
In 1995 Steve met his future wife Katie at Bennigan's in the Park where they both worked. They married in 2002 and adopted Shibere and Meskele in 2009. Together they became "The 4-Wheeler's" and their favorite family activities included chasing food trucks, traveling, cooking, and family game nights.
Steve taught social studies at Mahtomedi High School for 20 years and he loved teaching. He listened to NPR and PBS news everyday and was a sustaining member of both. He loved to connect with people and always made time to talk whether it was about history, politics, family, food, travel, or just about any other topic. No doubt he could command a room with his voice and his jokes whether it was a party or a classroom. Throughout his struggle with multiple sclerosis and later with cancer, Steve inspired us with his patience, gratitude, and laughter in even the most difficult times. He took life in stride and he will forever be remembered for his wit, uncanny sense of humor, and genuine kindness.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother Carol. He is survived by his wife Katie; daughter's Shibere and Meskele; father Phil; brother Scott; and family pets Quince, Harley, and Mango. Steve was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, classmate, teacher, co-worker, neighbor, and friend. He will be missed dearly.
Memorial Service to be held on Saturday November 18th at Mueller Memorial in White Bear Lake; more details to come. Memorials preferred to the family or to a charity most meaningful to you.