Sanford William Wheeler

Sanford William Wheeler, 78, of Schertz, Texas, was released from his health struggles and joined the Lord on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Known as “Butch” to many—though his in-laws fondly called him “Sandy”—he was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, on August 25, 1947, to Floyd Thomas Wheeler and Margaret Loretta Griswold.

Butch married the love of his life, Jean Ann Wilber, on November 13, 1971, in Farmington Township, Waupaca, Wisconsin. Together they built a life rooted in family, devotion, and adventure. During his distinguished career in the United States Army, Butch and Jean enjoyed traveling and experiencing life across the country and abroad. He retired in 1996 as a decorated Meritorious Service Veteran, later continuing his dedication to service through his work with the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 2009.

In retirement, Butch and Jean built their home near their children and grandchildren, a dream fulfilled. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, watching sports—especially cheering “Go Pack Go!”—and sharing his life with the family’s beloved dogs.

Butch is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Ann (Wilber) Wheeler; daughters Tammy (Brian) Anderson and Wanda (Matthew) Ayers; grandchildren Amanda (Jonathan) Gunderson, Zachary Ayers, Laura Ayers, Joseph Villegas, and Timothy Ayers; and great-granddaughter Lila Gunderson. He is also survived by his sister Ann Wheeler Miller (Vernon); brothers Larry (Tina) Wheeler, Brian (Kaye) Wheeler, and David (Jill) Wheeler; sisters-in-law Ginny Wilber Jensen, Pamela Wilber DeGroot (Glen) Clark, Cassandra Wilber (Nathan) Bucher, and Carlie Wilber (Zach) Wilson; brothers-in-law Darrell (Louise) Wilber, Joe Wilber, and Bobby Turner; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Thomas Wheeler and Margaret Loretta Griswold; father-in-law Darrell Wilber; mother-in-law Lorraine Mae Behm Scherer; sisters Patricia Wheeler, Brenda Wheeler , Gloria Wheeler (Neil) Blohm, and Nancy Wheeler Turner; brother Laverne Wheeler; and brothers-in-law David Wilber, Don Jensen, and Richard Miller.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his beloved Waupaca, Wisconsin, in July. Exact date and time will be announced.

Jean, Tammy, and Wanda extend their heartfelt gratitude to Schertz Funeral Home and especially to Schertz Officer Sergeant Moses Ruiz and his first-responding team for their kindness and support.