Bertram Wheeler

Bertram James Wheeler 

September 14, 1943 ~ November 13, 2025 (age 82)

Bertram James Wheeler was joined to the church triumphant on November 13, 2025.

Bert was born on September 14, 1943 to Charley and Edna (Klug) Wheeler in Detroit Lakes, MN, where he lived until he was seven years old. In 1948, his family moved to Oregon where he grew up, fishing the McKenzie River and hunting the Coburg hills area.

In 1962, Bert was graduated from North Eugene High School. He enlisted in the Oregon National Guard, 162nd Infantry, where he served for twenty years. In 2007, Bert continued to serve in the Retired Regiment of the 162nd Infantry as an Honorary Sergeant Major. He was inducted into the 162nd Infantry Regiment Hall of Honor in 2021. Bert began work with Pacific Northwest Bell as a custodian, working his way into installation & repair, and then later into management. On November 6, 1964, Bert married Delia A. Russell, the love of his life. They recently celebrated 61years of marriage. During that time, they had three children, Deena (Swartout), Steven, and Bradley. Bert and Dee were blessed with six grandchildren, Jonathan, Erinn, Micah, Sarah, Ariel, and David, and seven great-grandchildren.

To say Bert was a fisherman, is a huge understatement. He loved to be on the water and he loved to fish! He was a “fish slayer.” Bert also loved camping with his family and friends, boating, hunting, crabbing, and enjoying the outdoors. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, Dee, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. While working at the phone company, Bert volunteered as a deputy for the Lane County Sheriff department. Over the course of 33 years, Bert served in a variety of roles for the Rainbow Water District, making him one of their longest-standing volunteers. Bert volunteered for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), promoting cooperation between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers.

While Bert served his family and community in many ways, nothing brought him greater joy than serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served as an elder at Hope Lutheran in Springfield and at Grace Lutheran in Eugene. The love of Jesus overflowed for decades as he visited the sick and the shut-in. Through his humor and his many expressions of love, he gave witness to family members, neighbors, and friends right up to the day he entered paradise.

Bert is survived by his wife Delia, children Deena (Steve) Swartout, Steve (Dawn), Brad (Michelle), grandchildren Jonathan (Marissa) Swartout, Erinn (Cole) Stevens, Micah (Caitlin), Sarah (John) Sveda, Ariel, David, great-grandchildren, and sister Charlene (Paul) Wanner.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings DeEtte (Fountain), Rolland (infant brother), Yvonne (Eastburn), Ailene (Dalby), Delmert (infant brother), and Lanea (Eaton).

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 2pm at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 710 E. 17th Ave. Eugene, OR. 97401. A service of committal will be held on November 26, 2025 at 2pm at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR. Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church or to Pete Moore Hospice House, 4010 County Farm Rd, Eugene, OR 97408.