Obituary of Manley Eugene Wheeler

Manley Eugene Wheeler, age 92, of Lakeville, died peacefully at home on February 5, 2020.  Manley was born on June 2, 1927 in Colfax, WI.  As a child he wanted a horse but money was tight so he decided to grow one.  He dug a hole, put in a bone with some horse hair on top.  He covered it with dirt and watered it daily.  Although the horse never materialized, his dreams came true as an adult.

His family moved frequently. Therefore, he attended 11 schools by the time he graduated from Bloomington High School in 1945 where he played football on the state championship team.  He went straight from graduation to the Navy, turning 18 on the train while en route.  He joked that upon hearing he joined the Navy, the enemy surrendered.  He served two years before returning home to Minneapolis.

Shortly after returning, he met Marvel Larshus. They were married two years later on June 3, 1951.  Manley began his career as a parts representative for Studebaker cars. This led to becoming a forklift sales representative for Material Handling Engineers, and completed his career selling forklifts for Bennett Material Handling. 

In addition to his professional career, he volunteered with numerous organizations including the initial Building Director for Camp Nathanial. He was a charter member of both Bloomington Baptist and Berean Baptist Churches. He was privileged to be part of the Berean faith family for 57 years and cherished those friendships. He and his horse, Pepsi, spent 17 years serving the community as a member of the Dakota County Mounted Patrol.  He also served on many other church and community boards.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Amelia (Brettigen) Wheeler, sisters Louella and Ethel; and brother Wally.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years Marvel (Larshus) Wheeler, and their children Mike (Vicki) Wheeler, Marsha (Chuck) Betz, Michelle (Rollin) Herman, Merri (Randy) Johnson, and Mark (Randi) Wheeler.  He is also survived by his brother Robert Wheeler of Eau Claire, WI, fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, at Berean Baptist Church, Burnsville MN. Visitation will be at 2pm. In-lieu of flowers, donations are being collected for Camp Nathanial and Berean REACH.  Services are provided by Cremation Society of Minnesota.

The family would like to thank everyone for your kindness to Manley during his struggle with dementia.  We are so grateful!

Camp Nathanial                                             

P.O. Box 3987                                                

Minneapolis, MN 55403                                  

Berean Baptist Church

Berean REACH

309 E Cty Rd 42

Burnsville, MN  55306