Al V. Wheeler, age 86, of Oswego, IL, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at his residence.

He was born January 21, 1938, in Rock Island, IL, the son of Vernon and Iva nee Groves Wheeler.

Al attended Oswego High School, graduating class of 1956. Al was on the wrestling team and Ken Pickerell was his coach. Al was Illinois State Champion in 1955 and 1956. He was inducted in the Oswego High School Hall of Fame and the Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame. He served in the US Marine Corps based in Camp Penelton in California, where he was a member of the wrestling team. Al was an iron worker out to local #393 for 40 years and is a lifetime member of his union. He was instrumental in building the 1st roller hockey team in our area. The Eagles played at the Parkview Roller Rink from 1962-1970s. Traveling all around the Chicago area competing.

He was a lifetime member of the Draft Horse Association and the Kendall County Historical Society. He was the Ring-man at the Grundy County Draft Horse Show and Sandwich Fair Draft Horse Show for over 30 years. He loved his horses and drove his team of Shires in many parades. He later enjoyed his "58 Chevy Impala" taking home many trophies.

He is survived by his loving wife Janice R. Wheeler nee Dixon, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Nyla Hartman, Susie (Dave) Paxton and brother John (Sandi) Wheeler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mini Cubit and brother Tom Wheeler.

The family of Al would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caretakers from  Amada Senior Care for all their kindness and helpfulness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Riverview Diner, 1420 SE River Road, Montgomery, IL 60538 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com