Kathleen J. Wheeler, 88, Strongville, OH formerly of Milan, IL passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Vitalia Senior Residences. There will be a visitation from 4-6:00 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Milan or the Alzheimer's Association.

Kathleen was born on March 7, 1936 to Guy and Nellie (Cudaback) Gleason in Cedar Rapids, IA. She grew up in St. Joseph, MI and attended the University of Nebraska. After earning her Bachelor's degree, Kathleen began her career in the insurance industry working as an underwriter for Republic Insurance. She married John Charles in Des Moines, IA where they started their family. After his passing, Kathleen reunited with her college sweetheart, Jerry Wheeler, and they were married on December 17, 1977. They made their home in Milan, IL. Kathleen was the Marketing Director for Royal Neighbors until retiring after over 25 years with the company.

Kathleen was a very active church member who taught Sunday school at Plymouth Congregation Church while in Des Moines and regularly attended First Presbyterian Church in Milan. She was also a Boy Scout Leader, a strong supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, and a member of the American Business Women's Association, serving as President of the organization for several years. She and Jerry also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, traveling to help build houses. Kathleen was a lifelong dancer, and after Jerry's passing in 2003, she joined a dance studio and was featured in an article for her ballroom dancing. In her spare time, she loved tending to her flower gardens.

Kathleen was a caring and motivated woman who always lived life to the fullest, maintained a positive outlook, and spent her life helping others.

She is survived by her children, Jay Charles and Teresa (Jamie) Newell; grandchildren, Miley Charles, Julia (Landon) Kudrna, Erik Newell; and great-grandson, Jaxton Kudrna.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, John and Jerry; siblings, Beverly Berg, Helen Petersen, Burdette Gleason, and Stanley Gleason.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.