HOISINGTON — Richard Roy Wheeler, 85, died Dec. 7, 2022, at his home with his wife at his side. He was born June 14, 1937, in Norton, Kan., the son of Hazel Wheeler. Rich spent his early childhood years in the Northwestern Kansas area, moving to Hoisington in the 1950’s. An oil field worker for over 50 years, Rich was a roughneck and a tool pusher, working for Woodman & Iannitti Drilling Company and Duke Drilling Company.
On July 24, 1995, he married Cynthia L. “Cindy” Kaiser in Deadwood, South Dakota.
A man of many interests, Rich’s hobbies included playing cards and tinkering on different projects around the house, specifically his tractors and lawnmowers – which he took pride in keeping his yard pristine. He loved to travel, whether that was on back roads driving with his wife, going to casinos, taking cruises with his wife or with his extended family members, or to his favorite destination, Hawaii. He lived life to its fullest and at times even on the edge. True to his nature, he had an open heart and was extremely generous, always ready to lend a hand. He enjoyed spending time with his family hosting many holiday’s, barbequing, camping, watching the younger children hunt Easter eggs followed by the adults hunting those “special” eggs. Many fun times and forever memories were given by him freely.
Rich was a dog and cat person, especially to his furry fur babies Jaxson and June Bug, who both survive. His four grandsons, Dallas Jr., Royce, Braeden and Alex brought him tons of laughter and unlimited priceless moments and love.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cindy Wheeler of the home; and his three children, Rory Wheeler of Holyrood, Natasha Cole (Kenny) of Hoisington, and Dallas Sleezer, Sr. of Lochbuie, Colo.; four grandchildren, Dallas Sleezer, Jr., Royce Sleezer, Braeden Sleezer and Alex Cole; mother-in-law, Pauline Kaiser of Salina; sisters-in-law, Coletta Gisick of Odin, Connie Hatten of Great Bend, Christine Morrison of Wichita, Cindy Kaiser of Newton, Clara Oborny and Camille Straub both of Wichita; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Wheeler; son, Kelly Wheeler; sister, Shirley Bell; father-in-law, Royce Kaiser; and brothers-in-law, Curtis Kaiser and Duane Oborny.
Celebration of Life Services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel. Family will greet friends prior to the service starting at 9:30 a.m. Per his request, cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing. Memorials may be made to LADA Paws Rescue or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS. 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 9, 2022
