Norman G. Wheeler

Norman Guy Wheeler, 95, of Holley, New York, passed away peacefully at home, on May 14, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1930, in Warsaw, New York, to Ruth Ellen (Neeley) Wheeler and Riley Guy Wheeler.

Norman graduated from Warsaw High School in 1949, where he served as president of his senior class. He attended Geneseo State Teacher’s College and later Taylor University. From 1951–1953, he served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy flight training program. While stationed in Pensacola for pre-flight training, he taught Sunday school to officers’ children and led Salvation Army classes for local teens — experiences that sparked his lifelong passion for teaching and ministry.

In the summer of 1954, Norman met the love of his life, Virginia Kathryn Porter, while she was in nurses training in Cincinnati. They were married on Christmas Day that same year and shared 55 devoted years together until Virginia’s passing in 2010.

Norman dedicated his professional life to education. He taught high school science in Indiana and Illinois for 2 years before settling in Holley, New York. Then he spent 28 years teaching and inspiring students until his retirement in 1988. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his excellence in education, receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Rochester and twice being voted Teacher of the Year.

Although teaching was his profession, Norman believed his true calling was serving the Lord. From a young age, his faith shaped the course of his life. In Holley, he faithfully taught Sunday school classes for both teens and adults for many years, and he and Virginia devoted themselves to sponsoring youth groups. Watching young people grow in their faith brought them immense joy. When he wasn’t teaching he and Virginia loved to travel with the family. They visited all 50 states and Europe.

Norman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply treasured his family. He is predeceased by his wife, Virginia. He is survived by his four daughters and “daughter number 5,” Cousin Rose (David) Naramore, Deborah (Erwin) Dominguez, Elizabeth (Neil) Hovekamp, Mary (Anthony) Knoedl, and Rebekah (Steven) Smith. He lovingly referred to them as Job’s daughters, “the fairest in the land.” He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Emily (Jason) Ingram, Ryan (Erin) Hills, Jennifer (Thomas) Donley, Priscilla (Matthew) Hierlwimmer, Emily Wheeler-Smith, Guy (Janelle) Hills, Elizabeth Wheeler-Smith, and Madelyn Hovekamp and seventeen great-grandchildren, Caleb, Dominic, Sophia, Easton, Archer, Addison, Alexa, Josslyn Virginia, Riley Guy, Finley, Hunter, Greyson, Lincoln Porter, Violet, Marley, Molly, and Theo Norman, all of whom brought tremendous happiness to his life.

Family gatherings were among Norman’s greatest joys. On his 95th birthday, his family celebrated him with a Narnia-themed birthday party, after which he repeatedly said, “No one could have had a better birthday party than this one.”

Norman will be remembered for his unwavering faith, servant’s heart, love of teaching, and deep devotion to his family and community.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley, Monday May 18th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00am at Grace Baptist Church, 5220 Lake Rd., Brockport NY 14420. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or Grace Baptist Church.

To share a memory of Norman, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.