Kirk Wheeler

Sibley, Iowa

     Kirk Wheeler age 82 formerly of Sibley, IA, of Reading, MN died on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA.     

     A Celebration of Kirk's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Sibley, with Pastor Maggie Gisch officiating. 

     Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery of Sibley. 

     Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. 

     Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, IA.

     Family prefers memorials be directed to Legacy Thrift in Worthington, MN or Samaritan’s Purse.

     Kirk Edward Wheeler was born November 27, 1942 in Sibley, Iowa to Ed and Caroline(Timmermann) Wheeler. He grew up on the farm in East Holman Township and attended two different Country Schools, then transitioned to Sibley where he graduated from Sibley High School in 1960. He furthered his education in Mankato, MN, Worthington, MN and Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he studied business. Kirk completed his Associates Degree in 2007. 

     As a young man he faithfully served his country through the Minnesota National Guard. During this time, he started selling insurance door to door and perfected his talent for easily making conversation with strangers. Always quick with a handshake and a smile, he made time to stop and share some of his day with you. He also worked for Ford Motor Credit and The Hoover Vacuum Company. Kirk was always proud to know that decades later, former insurance clients would thank him for the life insurance and cancer policies he sold them that often times saved a family farm.

     Born with a tremendous heart for family and keeping traditions, he returned to the family farm in 1980 to farm alongside his father. In addition to enjoying his work outdoors, he looked forward to his weekly bowling league with friends as well as the church softball league. He was known far and wide for his love of baseball, specifically the Cleveland Indians. If you knew Kirk, you know he had an astounding memory for recalling detailed facts about almost anything, particularly baseball! Having harvested his last cornfield in October of 2003 (at 12:34 in the afternoon!) Kirk decided it was time to finally enjoy retirement. His love of baseball was surpassed only by his adoration of his beloved wife, Verla. In retirement, Kirk and Verla traveled often to Minneapolis, Colorado and Arizona to visit family, enjoy the weather, and attend baseball games.

     So grateful and blessed for having shared his life are his wife Verla, daughter- Janece (Ikejon) Nissen of Berthoud, CO. Son- Dana (Melea)Wheeler of Gilbert, AZ and grandchildren Logan, Tanner, Brett, Abi (Josh) Verdugo, Lucas and Sophia. He is also survived by stepson Ron Schmidt of Cass Lake, MN. And stepson Brad Schmidt of Minneapolis MN.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepson Mike Schmidt and several aunts and uncles.