Terry Alan Wheeler's Obituary
Terry Alan Wheeler, age 77 was born on November 5, 1948, in Monroe, Wisconsin to the late Woodrow “Woody” and Florence (Thompson) Wheeler and passed away on May 10, 2026. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Mike Wheeler. Survivors include his life partner of 38 years, Karen Lomasiewicz; brothers, Eugene “Gene” (Cindy) Wheeler of Livermore, CA and Mark Wheeler of South Bend, Indiana.
When Terry was very young his family moved to Vermillion, Ohio. He always considered himself an Ohioan. He graduated from Vermilion High School in 1966 and went on to attend The Ohio State University graduating with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. He remained a huge Ohio State fan throughout his whole life.
Terry built his career working in boat sales or as he liked to say “the boat business.” He sold boats for Pier 33, North Shore Marina and Skipper Buds’ in the Grand Haven area. He lived in Spring Lake with his life partner Karen for almost 40 years. Terry loved living by Lake Michigan.
He was a social person who enjoyed meeting and talking with all types of people. His boat customers loved him because the service continued after the sale was final. He and Karen spent many Sunday afternoons walking along the docks of both North Shore Marina and Barrett Boat Works to check in with his customers.
He was very knowledgeable about everything pertaining to boating. His goal was to share his love of boating with his customers and to share his knowledge so that his customers would have an amazing experience on the water.
Terry loved to fish. He loved fishing in Lake Michigan, in the surrounding rivers in West Michigan, in the mountain streams of Colorado, and in the mangrove flats in the Caribbean Sea in the Bahamas.
Terry and Karen traveled extensively around and through Benzie County, Traverse City. Leland, Empire and Glen Arbor in Northern Michigan. They also traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado to stream fish in the fall. In January 2002, they took their first trip to the Bahamas. They visited Eleuthera, one of many out islands in the Bahamas for Terry to fish for the elusive bonefish. They both felt like they had finally found paradise. They took several more trips to the out islands. They discovered each island had its own personality. Terry hired fishing guides to help him find bonefish to catch and release after many photos were taken.
Terry and Karen had many amazing experiences on these trips and truly enjoyed immersing themselves in Bahamian culture. Their favorite island was Great Exuma which they visited 3 times.
Terry was considered the family expert on salmon fishing in Lake Michigan every year, his family would plan their vacation in Michigan to fish with him on the big lake. All his family members have vivid memories of fishing with Uncle Terry. He was a huge lover of dogs, his favorite breed was the Labrador Retriever. He loved taking the dogs on long walks and letting them swim in Lake Michigan year-round. He always had a treat ready and waiting for “his boys”. Terry loved good music, his favorite artist was Jimmy Buffett. He really tried to model his life based on Jimmy’s philosophy which is “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” He lived a life of positivity and gratitude. He is deeply missed by his life partner Karen, his two brothers Gene and Mark along with their families and all the lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Kidney Transplant fund at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services -- Muskegon Chapel --(231)-722-5050
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?