John Wheeler

Obituary of John Hammond Forrest Wheeler Portage TownshipJohn Hammond Forrest Wheeler, beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, student, co-worker died suddenly in a traffic accident on November 23, 2016. He was 22. John was a truly remarkable person from the day he was born. Growing up he proved to be both industrious and intelligent. More importantly, to all those who knew him well, John was fun to be with, witty, kind and caring, and respectful while still speaking his mind. John was born on March 21, 1994 in Marquette, Michigan to Robert Wheeler and Barbara Wheeler. He was welcomed into the world by two older siblings, Robin and Lisa Ahlers. John was the oldest of four Wheeler children, Annika, Tobin, and Leander. John started his education in Houghton public schools. His school years included many activities, especially swim and cross-country teams. He graduated in 2012 from Houghton High School. John continued his education at Michigan Tech that fall. He was a hardworking student and a natural leader in the classroom and in field work, seeking the path of his future. Then he discovered Forestry in 2014, and from that point forward this was his passion. He was an active member of Sigma Kappa Upsilon Mu fraternity and always strove to improve it. Many of the brothers looked up to John as a role model.John had a deep love of the outdoors, and all the life found in nature. Forestry was a clear career choice for John, obvious to all who watched him growing up roaming the woods near his home south of Houghton. He would have graduated this December. He had a number of opportunities for the next stage of his career including with private forestry companies, with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and possibly the Peace Corps.John brought light and laughter into the lives of all who knew him. His demeanor and attitude were always cheerful, relaxed and positive.John was very successful at a number of after school and summer jobs, including an after-school program where he was very popular with the kids. He would help various people in the area with projects around their home & yard. He had taken biological samples of mammals, amphibians and various types of vegetation for an MTU research project. John worked for a local private timber management company primarily marking hardwood for timber harvesting. Most recently he was employed as a Forestry student intern for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.Preceding him in death were his grandparents Gerhard and Liesel Hoeh. He is survived by his parents, Robert Wheeler and Barbara Wheeler, siblings Robin Ahlers, Lisa Ahlers Rautiola, Annika Wheeler, Tobin Wheeler, and Leander Wheeler, four nephews, three nieces, brother-in-law Kevin Rautiola, grandparents John and Thelma Wheeler, aunts, uncles, cousins, godmothers, as well as many friends, especially his loving companion Alexandria Leech.Memorial service will be held at Houghton High School on December 3, at 3 o'clock. Friends may call on Saturday December 3, from 2pm until time of services at the Houghton High School auditorium. To view Johns obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.plowefuneralhome.comIn lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggests donations to the John Wheeler memorial fund at the Michigan Tech Credit Union. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Houghton have been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of John Wheeler, please visit Tribute Store