Frederick Sutton Wheeler, 85, was born on July 3, 1938, in Logan Utah. He died on Sunday February 11, 2024, in Salt Lake City, UT. Fred was the second of three children born to Geraldine and Fred Clyde Wheeler. He attended South High School and graduated in the class of 1956. Fred grew up playing baseball at Lindsey Gardens, and tennis at Liberty Park – whenever he wasn’t starting adventures of mischief on the Avenues where his parents ran a grocery store on 9th Ave. & K street.
Following High School, Fred attended the University of Utah. He was a lifelong member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he enjoyed spending time with his fraternity brothers and, later in life, running the Kappa Sigma golf tournaments for many years. Anyone who spent time with him, knew he had fond memories playing for the University’s basketball and tennis teams. His devotion to U of U athletics continued throughout the rest of his life.
He married Charlene Neilson in October of 1961 and they raised their family of three children together.
Following college, Fred began his career as a bond analyst in New York City. After several years of longing for home, he took an opportunity to open a branch in Salt Lake for Foster Marshall. While taking part in mergers such as Shearson Lehman, Smith Barney, and finally ending his career at Robert W. Baird, Fred developed relationships discussing stocks and bonds with friends that carried throughout his life.
Fred had many hobbies including teaching himself to play the piano and saxophone, watching birds, mountains, and the valley from his deck. He had a passion for learning genealogy, working on his yard and gardening through his entire life. He loved playing golf and always valued his associations and time spent at the Salt Lake Country Club. He also enjoyed spending his time at the bridge table with friends and was ultimately awarded a Life Master ranking. When he wasn’t at the Country Club, you could find Fred busy doing a daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper, out fly fishing with his fishing group or enjoying Moab.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents Geraldine and Fred Clyde Wheeler, and his sister Carol Brumfield. He is survived by his brother Jim Wheeler, his children Leslie Funk (Eric), Jodi Wheeler, Alex Wheeler (Margaret), his grandchildren Mitch Rasmussen, Crystal Tomlinson, Camille Rasmussen, Carter Wheeler, Christian Wheeler, Annie Wheeler, and his great grandchild Dayvi Grace Tomlinson.
A viewing will be held Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn on 2350 E. 1300 S. Burial will follow in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 11th Ave East entrance of the cemetery. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date for friends and family with more information to follow. In lieu of flowers, please spend time with family and others less fortunate.
Fred was a key figure in our "coffee club" over the years and we had missed his fun and engaging dialogue over the last several months. I had heard about his declining health from a fellow coffee club member and traded texts with him to bring him lunch at the house, just a couple of weeks ago. Super sad that never happened, life is precious! Despite our age gap, Fred was a force to be reckoned with. I always enjoyed our coffee club banter, his inquisitive nature about my career, his passion for the U, his incredible wine collection, and of course, his stock performance tracker on his notepad! I may or may not have picked up a winner or two from his wisdom! Rest in peace Fred, you are missed by many.
I was fortunate to meet and know Fred since 1987 when I pledged Kappa Sigma. He was an anchor for us and a great friend. Prayers for him and to the family
We were saddened to hear about the great loss of your dear father.. We feel very fortunate to have known such a brilliant and honest man over multiple decades. What a blessing that we met someone who cared about his clients and treated us with dignity like valued friends. It's rare to find people like Fred. After years of serving the needs of others, he chose a slower pace, but continued his special bond with his colleagues and clients that had developed over many years. We were always delighted to see him on occasion at the office with Jodi and Alex. Fred made us feel very special and greeted us with a wonderful hug. It was evident that Jodi, Alex and Leslie loved and honored their father's wishes through every challenge to find the best quality of life for someone so dear to them. Fred was a proud and dignified man with incredible courage. His capacity to love his family and all who knew him was beyond measure. He lived a life of purpose, and made our world a much better place through the many lives he touched. Fred Wheeler was truly "A Good Man." Jodi, Alex, Leslie and families..May you find Peace and healing in the days ahead, and in your time. Our prayers and love are with you always.
We have lost a Gentle Giant!
Fred was my mentor and dear friend since working with him at MLPF&S in the 1970s. That smile, the laugh and Fred’s willingness to always help others— What A Legacy!
I send my deepest condolences and Love to his family.
Alex, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I just adored Mr. Wheeler, always a kind, funny, energetic person with a smile on his face. He seemed to really love everything, I'm sure this is a time of great sadness.
Alex, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I just adored Mr. Wheeler, always a kind, funny, energetic person with a smile on his face. He seemed to really love everything, I'm sure this is a time of great sadness.