Harold Wheeler

Harold (Hal) C. Wheeler Jr., of Stevensville, MI passed away peacefully Thursday, December 17, 2015 at LakelandHospital in St. Joseph, with his loving wife, Cindy and loved ones, by his side.  Hal was born February 3, 1937 in Leachville, Ark., to Harold & Vera (Anthony) Wheeler, Sr.  The family moved to BentonHarbor in 1942. He graduated from BentonHarborHigh School in 1955, was all-state in basketball and football and received and contributed to numerous sports trophies in basketball, baseball and football. Hal earned a football scholarship to MSU but later graduated from HillsdaleCollege. Hal received his Master’s Degree from WesternMichiganUniversity. Harold proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany 1960-1961.  On September 5, 1998 he married Cynthia Yavorsky in Paw Paw, MI. They enjoyed many vacations and good times, together, shared with family and close friends. Hal began his career, teaching at Hull school in BentonHarbor and ended his career as the principal of ColomaHigh School for over 20 years. Harold was a member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 and the St. Joseph YMCA. Hal excelled in sports; playing semi-pro football for the Michiana Hawks, semi-pro basketball for the House of David and semi-pro basketball for the Sailors. Hal played on numerous teams into his 50’s. Hal maintained his athletic prowess by doing marathons, triathlons and races. His last triathlon in Chicago was in 2010 at age 73. He was inducted into the Lake Michigan College Hall of Fame. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed MichiganState sports and was a member of the MichiganState Alumni Association. He loved competing and enjoyed playing bean bag toss. Harold was inducted in the Lake Michigan College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Cynthia Wheeler; sons Kevin (Bunni) Wheeler, of St. Joseph, MI and Bradley Wheeler of Stevensville, MI ; daughter Lisa Wheeler of Breckenridge, CO,  four grandchildren Nickolas Wheeler, Kristen Wheeler, Andrew Wheeler, and Lily Burns, sister Betty Boss, many loving nieces, nephews, family and close friends.   Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Clifton and Vera Elizabeth, brothers Aaron, Robert, Wayne and sisters Mary Lee, Vickie (Bill) Lorenz and Jesse (Johnny) Brooks.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at  Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Fr. Thomas McNally officiating. Friends may visit from 3:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, send checks to “Wheel’s Memorial Fund” 2872 Crownpoint, Stevensville, MI49127. Make checks payable to “Cindy Wheeler”. All donations will be totaled up and presented to the “Benton Harbor Athletic Department” in Hal’s honor. Those wishing to share a memory of Harold online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com