Aaron W. Wheeler

Aaron Wesley Wheeler passed away on March 19, 2023 at the age of 83 surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 10, 1940 in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Thomas Alfred and Rachel Pearl (Rodgers) Wheeler. Aaron moved to Rockford, Illinois in 1965 with his wife, Bertie Lea (Robertson), and two daughters. Soon after getting married in Blackwell he got a job working as a rate clerk for the Chicago and North Western Railway Company and moved to Evansville, WI and then to Casper, WY. When the C&NW transferred him to Rockford he and Bertie decided to stay.

At heart, Aaron was an entrepreneur and natural salesman, and a cowboy. He started his first business at age 10 when he acquired a cow that launched him into his first career as a dairy farmer. He won a public speaking award and several F.F.A. awards throughout high school, as well as farmed four acres of alfalfa, five acres of rye and vetch and 10 acres of oats while in his teens. Something not many know about Aaron is that he played clarinet in the Blackwell High School marching band where he graduated from in 1958. He earned certificates for courses from the Chicago and North Western System, International Correspondence Schools and Casper College.

Owner of too many businesses to name, the primary business Aaron and his wife ran for many decades was Best-Line Cleaning Services, a residential and commercial floor cleaning company. In their retirement they traveled around the country and sold Noni Juice (a health supplement) and an environmentally friendly waterless car cleaning product. In recent years Aaron made and sold para cord bracelets and belts. He was always one to try something new. If he saw someone making money at something he liked and thought he could do, he would try it. When he had failures it didn't defeat him. He would figure out another way to make it work and be successful. Everyone who knew Aaron would described him as a hard worker.

But, Aaron also knew how to enjoy life and his family. He loved to travel, take walks, sit and watch birds, and he especially loved American Bald Eagles. Aaron also loved horses. When his girls were in their teens he bought them ponies at first, then horses, and taught them how to ride and care for them. He was known for his sense of humor that lit up a room when he walked into it. When his daughters were in high school it became a joke and an initiation for any friends who visited the Wheeler home for the first time to get a glass of water thrown at them by Aaron. He grew up in the Southern Baptist faith, attended and was married at First Baptist Church (Blackwell, OK), and then in Rockford was a very active member of Halsted Road Baptist and then Lincolnwood Baptist Churches.

Survived by daughters, Patricia Michele Rotello, Kimberly Wheeler (Curt) Johnsen; grandchildren, Joe Rowlett, Jr., Samuel Rotello, Thomas (Kelsey) Rotello; great-grandchildren, Daphnie, Mason, Charlotte, Lukas, and Logan Rowlett, Jack Rotello (all of Rockford, IL); sister, Jan (Mike) Hubbart (Mission Viejo, CA); nephews, Damon (Sandra Mendez, Fiancée) Hubbart (Danville, CA), Jason (Amy) Hubbart (Suwanee, GA); great-nephews and nieces, Ava, Nate, Grace, Michael, and Carmel; very special companion Sue Ramsey (Rockford, IL); many cousins and special aunt and "like a sister", Joan Boyd (Arizona).

Predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years; son-in-law, Andrew James Rotello; father and mother; granddaughter-in-law, Jacqulyn A. Rowlett; and brother in childhood (Terry Mac).

Per Aaron's wishes, there will not be a service. His family will gather for a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

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