David Michael Wheat, 82, of Springfield, IL, and formerly of Nokomis, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the home he shared with his wife of 63 years, Charlene Ann (Sparks) Wheat of Springfield. He was born on May 6, 1943, in Witt, IL the son of Stella (Chis) and Deneen Wheat. David and Charlene were married on July 28, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nokomis, and she survives.
In addition to his wife Charlene, David is survived by a son, Stephen A. Wheat and one daughter Julienne Wheat Shields; six grandchildren, Athena Pajer, Caius Pajer, Hadrian Pajer, Conner Wheat, Noah Shields, and Chloe Wheat. He was preceded in death by his parents.
By the time David was six years old, he became a survivor of the polio virus, during which time he spent almost a year in an iron lung. The virus caused lifelong damage to the muscles in his right leg, but it honed other attributes such as his persistence and resilience. After recovering, he was sent to live with his mother Stella and stepfather, Ed Engelhart, who fostered David’s brilliant and hardworking nature. And, although being held back for one year in school for medical reasons, he graduated as valedictorian in 1962.
David and Charlene were next door neighbors and lifelong sweethearts. After their marriage they embarked on their life journey together in Urbana-Champaign where David was proud to play French horn in the University of Illinois Marching Illini.
David and Charlene welcomed their son, Stephen Andrew, on May 5, 1970, followed by their daughter Julienne Renee, on May 19, 1974. David consistently helped lead and coach sports, scouting, and other events with Trinity Lutheran School in Nokomis, and numerous summer leagues.
David was known to be a wonderful storyteller, and he shared experiences, memories, and lessons learned from his forty plus years with the Illinois Department of Transportation, sixty plus years of volunteering in lay leadership at church and many scouting excursions. David was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield where he was a past member of the chancel choir singing alongside his wife.
David’s friends, children, and grandchildren could always count on him for help with issues large and small – especially with technology. He notably automated their home with smart devices so he and Charlene could enjoy independent life as long as possible. His loved ones are comforted by the idea that he is “setting up Alexa in Heaven.”
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2025, in the Parish Life Center of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield with Pastor Linda Strader officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.
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