Michael Duane Wheeler, 60, of Marseilles, passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was cremated per his wishes. His family requests friends gather for a celebration of life from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018, at the Marseilles American Legion to share with family and reminisce about Mike. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles is handling the arrangements.

He was born October 25, 1957, in Ottawa, to Gerald and Corrine (Chiovatero) Wheeler. In June of 1976, he married his high school sweetheart, Debra Gage.

Mike lived for the outdoors. He was a towboat captain on the Illinois River for twenty years. He loved hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley. He had no fear of heights and he loved to skydive, and even owned a para-glider and powered parachute. His favorite time of the year was late fall when bucks went into rut and he could spend his days enjoying the true beauty of nature. He built his family's dream home in the very same woods, so his loved ones could all enjoy the serenity and happiness of hunting and fishing in the large pond he had created to watch his children and grandchildren swim and play.

He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of forty-two years, Debra; children, Jeremiah, Judson (Kristin), and Katelyn (Joshua), all of Marseilles; six grandchildren, Tristan, Kierstin, Wyatt, Kira, Nathaniel, and his namesake, Mikey; his mother, Corrine (Art) Horton of Burlington, WI; and siblings, Jeri Lynn (Joe) Batdorf of Lake Geneva, WI, Mark (Vickie) Wheeler of Ransom, Carla Syverson of Denver, CO, Derek Seymour of Streator, Rhonda Fox of Marseilles, and Erin Schenher of Marseilles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Wheeler.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com