Obituary of Gene L. Wheeler

Gene L. Wheeler, 83, of Cazenovia passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Syracuse V.A. Medical Center. He was born October 15, 1941 in Phoenix, New York to Howard and Dorothy Hurlbut Wheeler. Gene enlisted into the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan until his honorable discharge on September 4, 1962. Gene was a self-employed over the road truck driver for over 20 years. He owned his own tractor trailer which allowed him the freedom to select his choice of jobs. He also contracted to do work with Landstar. Gene traveled to every state in America except for South Dakota. He had a “green thumb” and grew a countless variety of plants including beautiful roses, a lemon tree, avocado tree and a rubber tree. He is survived by his daughters, Laurie Winn, Brenda Wheeler and Sheila Wheeler; his sister, Doreen (Chuck) Norris; his daughter-in-law, Barbara Wheeler; eight grandchildren as well as several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his father, Howard Wheeler; his mother, Dorothy Hurlbut Chunko; his wife, Sarah Wheeler; his son, Ronald Wheeler; his brothers, Ronald Chunko and Howard Wheeler, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services in Cazenovia. Burial with military honors will be in Erieville Cemetery. Calling hours are 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the funeral home, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org. Condolences for the Wheeler family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.