Rick L. Wheeler, 74, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 16th at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 23, 1952, in West Unity, the son of Harold and Lois (Kuney) Wheeler. He graduated from Hilltop High School and received an Associates Degree in Business and Marketing from Davis Junior College in Toledo. He married Susan (Geiger) Wheeler in 1978, who survives him.

He is also survived by his two sons, Derek (Alison) Wheeler of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Brian Wheeler of Bryan, Ohio; his beloved grandchildren, Luke and Grant Wheeler; his sister, Vicky Herzog of Montpelier and his brother, Lonny (Becky) Wheeler of Stryker and many nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lois (Kuney) Wheeler.

Rick will be remembered for a lifelong, strong work ethic that began at an early age and carried through his retirement from Johns Manville after 37 years of service. Beyond his career, Rick was a very talented basketball player for the Hilltop Cadets in his youth. His love for the game continued into adulthood as he spent many years coaching youth travel basketball teams from Defiance.

Additional interests included being an avid Ohio State fan, fishing, golf, crosswords, casino visits with his friend Jim Grahn, attending his grandkids' ball games, and being a regular visitor of the Moose Lodge and Eagles. Above all, he was a devoted family man who put the needs of others long before his own. To be loved by him was to know you would always be looked after, no matter what.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance, with a Memorial Service immediately following at 7:00 PM. A private family burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the American Cancer Society, or Defiance CHP Hospice Care. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.