Timothy A. Wheeler

Ilion - Timothy A. Wheeler, (Tim), 68, entered into eternal rest after enduring a lengthy illness on Thursday July 23, 2020 at his home with the ones he loved the most at his side.

Tim was born on August 16, 1951 to Charles and Pearl Wheeler in the peaceful valley of Ilion, NY where he was raised and educated along with his siblings, Charlotte, Charles, Charlynne, Tom, and Terry. He was a proud Irishman with upstanding morals and integrity which followed throughout his life and family.

On September 5, 1970, Tim married Marie Goldsmith whom preceded him in an untimely passing in 1979. Out of the loving union came his pride and joy, a daughter, Kelly Marie. Kelly was Tim's everything.

On August 24, 1991, Tim was again united in marriage to Suzanne Gauthier Nichols, whom provided him with the blessing of five children, whom he cherished dearly. This became the blending of two families which gave him joy for the past thirty years.

Tim was an avid outdoorsman, thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing. The woods were his passion. He enjoyed the hobby along with his nephew, Nelson, whom was also his best friend.

In his younger years, he was very active in participating in horseback riding, bull riding, karate, boxing and wild life control.

For over 25 years, Tim taught the Sportsman's Education (Bow Hunting) Safety Training class for the DEC. He was very proud of this achievement and put his heart and soul into every class.

Tim was employed at the Remington Arms for thirty seven years. He was very hardworking and determined. Through his employment he gained many friends.

Tim's family was always his first and foremost importance and could always be counted upon.

Surviving him is his wife, Suzanne of Ilion; his daughter, Kelly (Brian) Tero of Herkimer; his step-children, Suellen (Jim) Nightingale of Ohio, Mariah of Ilion, Betty (Don) Keeler of Mohawk, Christine (Duane) Jones of Remsen, and Larry (Heather) Nichols of Frankfort; his siblings, Charlotte (Mark) Wheeler of Ilion, Charlynne Harter of Herkimer, Tom and Terry Wheeler both of Ilion; in-laws, Judy (Lee) Lawrence of Herkimer, Barb Gauthier of Cold Brook and Nellie Gauthier of Tennessee.

Papa, as he was affectingly called was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. All were the joy of his life. Each one shared a special relationship with him and will all have their unique memory to hold on to and cherish. His love for them was endless.

He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Again each one has their own memory of Tim which they can carry within their hearts. Especially mentioning Nelson Johnson who was more like a son and best friend to Tim, together constantly and conquering the great outdoors together. He was blessed with many friends especially mentioning, Grant and Peggy Tuttle and Jud and Elaine Bouck. Also his beloved feline companion, Bebe.

Preceding him in passing was his parents, Charles and Pearl Wheeler; his wife Marie Goldsmith Wheeler; infant daughter, Lisa Ann; brother, Charles Wheeler; in-laws, Marie's parents, Henry and Lois Goldsmith; Suzanne's parents, Glen and Anna Gauthier; brothers-in-law, Dennis and Sherrill Gauthier, Gene Charles, John Harter, and Pat Foti;  nephews, John and Gene Charles, Dennis Gauthier and infant Chuck Wheeler; and a niece, Michele Wheeler.

Special thanks to the Hospice nurses, Judy, Melissa,  Cari and his nephew, Nelson Johnson for taking the lead and providing the family with great support as Tim would have wanted. Thank you to his granddaughters, Mercedes, Martina, and Suzanah for going the extra mile and Erin Thayer for all your special meal deliveries.

In keeping with Tim's wishes there will be no public services. A private ceremony will be held at the family cemetery in the Town of North Columbia.  Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to either Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 ( in honor of his granddaughter Anna).

            " Irish Blessing"

"Those we love don't go away, They walk besides us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.

I could not stay another day to love, to laugh, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way and if my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy."

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.