William "Larry" Wheeles II

Jun 4, 1952 -

Jun 4, 2021

William "Larry" Wheeles II went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 4, 2021 - his 69th birthday. He passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family.

During his life, Larry was a phenomenal athlete and sportsman. In his childhood, he was the pitcher for a State Champion Little League team. As an adult, he continued to enjoy playing many sports, including softball, volleyball and golf. Larry was a very skilled golfer, winning the Alaska State Amateur Golf Championship twice: once in 1980, and again in 1981. Like many in his family, Larry was also an avid fisherman, spending many happy days on the Kenai River.

Larry was a man of many talents. He had a God-given gift to fix almost anything and used this gift to support his family as a self-employed handyman. Using his skills, he built his family their cozy first home. As his family continued to grow, he worked night and day to build them a new, beautiful home, which they continue to enjoy to this day. In addition to working hard to support his family, Larry often volunteered his handyman skills to help others in need.

Those who knew Larry know that the most important part of his life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and honored Him in all that he did. For most of his life, he served in children's ministry at his local church, teaching Sunday school for 35 years and directing the Awana program for 21 years.

In 1988, he met the love of his life, Rose. They married two years later and had four wonderful children: two boys and two girls. He was a devoted husband and a loving father who taught his children to golf, fish and shoot a gun; a real Alaskan dad.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Florence Wheeles. He is survived by his wife, Rose; children, Will, Elisabeth, Grace and Christian; sons-in-law, Kyle and Justin; brother and sister-in-law, Rod and Bonnie; and his sister, Kolotta.

A funeral service will be held for Larry at 4 p.m., on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Anchorage Grace Church, 12407 Pintail Street, followed by a potluck dinner.