Obit: Wheeler, Maryann (Ann) (1947 - 2017)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Wheeler, Lewer, Pernsteiner, Schueller, Allar, Savoy, Kuhl, Boh, Burns, Martin

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/05/2017

Wheeler, Mary Ann (Ann) (8 August 1947 – 22 March 2017)

Maryann (Ann) Wheeler of Marshfield died unexpectedly at her home the morning of March 22, 2017. A memorial service celebrating her extraordinary life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Our lady of peace Church in Marshfield. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. There will be a meal after the service at Our Lady of Peace. Reverend Burns and Reverend Martin will officiate. St. John’s choir will provide music. Burial service will be a private event at a later date.

Ann was born Aug. 8, 1947, in Medford to Joe and Lucille (Lewer) Pernsteiner. The family moved to Granton when Ann was five. She attended Merryvale School, St. Anthony’s School, and graduated from Granton High School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, she started her highly successful career at Wheelers Chevrolet as a filing clerk. She fell in love with Dan Wheeler, and they married Dec. 21, 1972. The dream team was created and Wheelers Chevrolet had a matriarch in the making. She became the dealer in 1987, a pioneer in the automotive industry. Ann was one of only a handful of female dealers in the whole United States.

Ann was a visionary, automotive pioneer, and highly respected member of the General Motors dealership family. She grew Wheelers Chevrolet-GMC from one dealership, that she and her husband worked at together until his passing in 2002, in Marshfield to four dealerships throughout Central Wisconsin. Ann later founded Wheelers Auto Repair and Tire Center located in Marshfield, as well as Wheelers Chevrolet of Medford, Wheelers Chevrolet of Wisconsin Rapids, and Wheelers Buick GMC of Wisconsin Rapids. Her leadership was evident and instrumental in creating an organization that thrives on a values-driven culture and a steadfast commitment to customer service and where all share in its success. She was a very strong and independent woman who was passionate about what she did. She knew with hard work, determination, and a little elbow grease, a person could do anything. Ann and Dan had two children, Mary Jo E. Wheeler-Schuller, and Daniel W. Wheeler. The family worked together, running all stores of the Wheeler Family Auto Group until this past Wednesday, when she was taken too soon.

Ann loved working at the dealership with her children on a day-to-day basis. She thoroughly enjoyed her employees and customers and appreciated seeing them every day. The newest location in Wisconsin Rapids gave her an extra skip in her step, as the new building is currently underway. Although she didn’t have much free time, Ann love to cook for her family, and participate in potlucks at work. She was a wonderful cook. She loved to go home at lunch, feed her birds, and wild life, take care of her plants and mow her lawn.

Ann if lovingly survived by her two children, Mary Jo E. Wheeler-Schueller (Randy) of Marshfield, and Daniel W. Wheeler (Kim Allar) of Marshfield; grandchildren Zachary Wheeler-Savoy, Raella Schueller, Riley Schueller, and Roe Wheeler. Additionally, Ann is survived by her brother, Joseph (Franceen) Pernsteiner III of Black River Falls; her sisters, Janice (Wayne) Kuhl of Granton, Janet (Franklin) Boh of Neillsville; and a sister-in-law, Karen (Tom) Pernsteiner of Marshfield.

Preceding her in death was her husband Daniel W. Wheeler Nov. 18, 2002; her father Joe Pernsteiner Jr. July 9, 2006; mother Lucille (Lewer) Pernsteiner Oct. 20, 2015, brother Thomas Pernsteiner April 10, 1983, and sister-in-law Betty (Joe III) Pernsteiner Sept. 6, 1983.

Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, two separate memorial funds have been set up in her name. One to support women in the automotive industry nationwide and a more local scholarship to support young people with families seeking assistance, interested in attending Columbus Catholic School (CCS). All funds for the nationwide scholarship will go towards GM Automotive Retail Scholarships for Women.

Maryann Wheeler Memorial Scholarship

We have established a memorial scholarship in her name to be awarded as part of the 2017 WRN Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program. Donations are being accepted in memory of Maryann. Please make donations payable to CMS Foundation, Inc., with a memo stating, “Maryann Wheeler Memorial Scholarship.” Donations may be sent to CMS Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 648, Naperville, IL 60566.

Columbus Catholic School Maryann Wheeler Memorial Scholarship

We have established a memorial scholarship in her name to benefit the community of Marshfield and families seeking financial assistance to attend CCS. Donations are being accepted in memory of Maryann. Please make donations payable to Columbus Catholic Schools with a memo stating, “Maryann Wheeler Memorial Scholarship.” Donations may be sent to Columbus Catholic Schools, 710 S. Columbus Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449.

“Ann would like to let you know her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of offer you cannot refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sing-on bonus; she will finally be getting paid. A reunion with the love of her life, Dan, and other family and friends she has not seen in such a long time. Job security is exactly 110 percent. Her wonderful place where she will be cooking, selling cars, gardening, and reading to her heart’s content. Music, laughter, and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her children to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed. Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated. God speed.”