Daniel Wheatman

MAHOMET - The kindest, most gentle soul departed this earth on Saturday (Sept. 7, 2024) at home, surrounded by his family, while the sweet sounds of his grandchildren playing in the basement filled the room. Daniel L. Wheatman was 69.

Dan was born in Oak Park on May 4, 1955, to David and Elizabeth Wheatman (Nelson).  Both of his parents welcomed him into heaven with open arms. Growing up with his brothers, David Wheatman (Eileen) and Dean Wheatman (Amy), his life was certainly filled with excitement, adventure and mischief; but not by him, of course. He graduated from Springfield High School and then attended Lincoln Land Community College.

On May 29, 1982, Dan married the love of his life, Joanie Tull. He became the ultimate protector after welcoming three daughters, Whitney Hartman (Andrew), Tiernee Restad (David) and Elizabeth Wheatman. Carrying along his legacy of love, compassion and laughter are his grandchildren, Hendricks Hartman, Haston Hartman, Anna Restad, Michael Restad, Theodore Restad and Ella Restad.

Throughout his life, his impact could be felt among the community where he lived. His career began with an early job at Kay Jewelers in a building, once occupied by President Lincoln's law firm. From there, his time was spent with National Supermarkets followed by Schnuck markets, both of which he served as store managers. Beyond his career, he generously dedicated his time serving the community through a multitude of organizations. He served on Kiwanis and held the president's post for the Champaign Rotary and the Rotarian Foundation. His charitable contributions carried over to the C-U Symphony Board of Directors, school boards for both St. John's Lutheran School (Hannibal, Mo.) and Our Savior's Lutheran School (Springfield). He served as a chair and a board of director for United Way Champaign. His support also impacted the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, the Boys and Girls Club and other community organizations.

After his retirement, he found his place serving as an elder at St. John's Lutheran Church in Champaign, a church he loved so deeply. His relationships with his extended family and friends were priorities, and his absence will be felt by all. But his greatest roles were the ones he fulfilled at home as husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. Known to his grandbabies as "Papi," he embraced them in his loving arms over and over again. There's no doubt his impact on his family, friends and the community will ever fade away. He will always be remembered for that soft, sincere smile accompanied by the beautiful twinkle in his eyes and those never-ending jokes he so loved to share. His compassion, support and love will live on in our hearts.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy.  A small visitation will occur from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, followed by a funeral service at St. John's Lutheran Church, Champaign. Private burial will be held the following day.

Memorials can be made in memory of Dan Wheatman to St. John's Lutheran Church in Champaign. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.