Mark Spencer Wheeler

Nov. 1, 1943 - Dec. 27, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - On December 27, 2018 at 1:50 p.m., Mark Spencer “Pops” Wheeler passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Jack and Bertha Wheeler, born at St. Joseph's Hospital in South Bend, IN on November 1, 1943.

Mark was married to Mary Ellen Gramza on June 1, 1963 at Holy Cross Church in South Bend, IN. Mark was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Marielle Lamirand. Mark is survived by his children, Michelle Jaronik, Malynn Pullman, and Mitchell Wheeler; his siblings, Ross Wheeler, Joyce Gubi, Jack Wheeler, Jackie Wheeler, Patty Malohn, Sue Brittain, Debbie Nelson, and Judy Chastain; grandchildren, Melissa Jaronik, Nichole Marcotte, Eric Wheeler, Francine Slate, Felicia Webster, Gabriel Pullman, Ella Pullman, and Isaac Wheeler; and great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Slate, Noah Wheeler, Rosalyn Ogle, Alexis Wheeler, Samantha Webster, Tanner Wheeler, Landon Slate, and Miranda Webster.

After 11 years of treatment at Dr. Burzinyski's clinic in Houston, TX, he survived Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, against all odds. Mark retired from the Northern Indiana Teamsters Local #364 after more than 30 years as a faithful employee. He was a graduate from Washington High School class of 1961. He was raised on the west side of South Bend in the Roman Catholic Faith.

Some of Mark's favorite things included enjoying an ice cold beer while mowing the grass and listening to the Cubs' games. Saturdays were reserved for family get togethers in the hopes of yet another Notre Dame victory! In the heat of the summer he loved to listen to George Thorogood, fire up the grill, and watch his grandchildren play in the swimming pool. As a loving husband, father, brother, son, and uncle, Mark was characterized by his generous spirit and his jovial, kind-hearted nature. He was a man who never met a stranger!

This isn't the end of Mark Wheeler's story, this is just the beginning...For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. (II Corinthians 5:7-8 NLT)