Granvel Frederic “Fred” Wheeler Jr., 70, of Oak Harbor, Wash., former Wasilla resident, died on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Wheeler was born in Seattle on Nov. 22, 1938, to Granvel Frederic Wheeler Sr. and Delores Geraldine (Hermes) Wheeler. He attended Seattle schools, and graduated from Highline High School in 1957. Following his graduation, he entered the US Navy, serving in the Sea Bees. Following his honorable discharge he attended Seattle Community College and then Everett Junior College, receiving a certificate as a journeyman carpenter.  

Wheeler married Jeannette Walker in 1963. He worked in construction in the Seattle area until an injury in 1973 made it necessary for him to take a two-year break. Wheeler served as a building inspector for the town of Redmond for five years. After this, he moved to Willow, and then Wasilla where he started a Langenwalter Carpet Dying franchise, which he successfully operated for a number of years. He was a member of the Wasilla Lake Church of the Nazarene. Wheeler married Deborah Ann Shepard on June 6, 1998. They moved to Oak Harbor, on Whidbey Island in Washington, in 2006. Wheeler is survived by his wife, Deborah, of Oak Harbor, Wash; daughters Marguerite Ebert and husband Hal of Redmond, Wash., and Carol Estridge of Everett, Wash; sons Granvel Stewart Wheeler and James Wheeler, both of Wasilla; step-daughter Michele Hodnett and husband Shawn of Las Vegas, Nev.; step-son Michael Shepard and wife Melissa of Martinez, Calif.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two step-grandchildren; sister Linda Wheeler of Tacoma, Wash.  He was preceded in death by brother Michael Wheeler.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at San de Fuca Chapel, Coupeville, Wash. Pastor Cliff Horr will be officiating. This will be followed by a graveside committal service at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, with military honors under the auspices of NAS Whidbey Honor Guard.  Memorial donations are suggested to Village Missions, 696 E. Ellendale Ave., Dallas, OR 97338.  Friends may sign the guestbook online at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

Arrangements are through Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service Inc.