Jack R. Wheeler

Jack Wheeler, 72, of Moline, Illinois, well-known high school teacher and volleyball coach, died Thursday, September 17, 2020, in his home.

Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Private services for family and close friends will take place Thursday. Masks and social distancing are required at the visitation, and guests will be limited to fifty at one time. Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, Moline, or Pregnancy Resources.

Jack Richards Wheeler was born March 26, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to William Wallen and Patricia (Richards) Wheeler. He married Deborah Oltman on August 15, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton, Illinois. He served in the US Army from 1971 to 1973 and was honorably discharged. Jack graduated from Western Illinois University in 1970 with a degree in History and received his master’s degree from Marycrest University in 1976.

Jack taught American History and Sociology at Moline High School for 33 years, retiring in 2003. He was the head volleyball coach at Moline High School for 14 years and at Orion High School for 15 years, retiring from coaching in 2019. Jack was also an assistant softball coach at Moline High School and Orion High School. He educated and inspired many young people during his time as a teacher and coach, and loved every minute of it.

Jack was a faithful Christian. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Moline, where he was an Elder and adult Sunday school teacher. He also gave sermons and wrote Advent devotionals for several years.

He was an avid reader, with his bookshelf being mostly full of American History biographies and Harry Bosch or Jack Ryan novels. His favorite place during his annual trip to Florida was by the pool with a book in his lap. Jack and Debby enjoyed their trips to Wisconsin, Colorado, and Florida to visit friends and family.

Jack was a humble man who gave his all to any task he began. His hard work and attitude made him an amazing husband, father, teacher, coach, friend, and Man of God.

Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debby; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Missy Wheeler of Bettendorf, Iowa; and his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Mary Wheeler of Charlottesville, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Judith.

Friends are encouraged to share memories of Jack and leave condolences for his family at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.