Alvin R. Wheeler, 86, of Friendship Village died there on Wednesday, September 26, 2007.

Alvin was born May 23, 1921, in Dunkerton, Iowa the son of Roy and Doris Smith Wheeler. He graduated from Dunkerton High School.

Following high school Alvin enlisted and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. He flew with Col. Tibbits as part of the test crew in the X-B29 over the Gulf of Mexico before Tibbits dropped the atomic bomb.

Alvin married Dorothy Philp on May 14, 1945, in Hudson, Iowa. He was a partner in the Washland Leasing Co. for nineteen years. Prior to that he farmed Dorothy’s parents’ farm in Orange Township.

Alvin enjoyed reading, particularly religious literature about the Rapture. In later years he and Dorothy spent seventeen winters in Arizona.

Alvin is survived by his wife Dorothy of Waterloo, son Keith and his wife Maria of Chandler, Arizona, grandsons: Seth and Caleb Wheeler, and step grandchildren Crystal Klein and Aaron Klein. He is also survived by his brother Cletus of Waterloo, three sisters: Rea Moss of Indianola, Gladys Day of Cedar Falls, and Doris Sanchez of Capistrano Beach, California, and Arlene Lofstuen of Waterloo, who was raised by his parents as a daughter.

He is preceded in death by son Kendell A. Wheeler.

Friends who wish may direct memorials to Cedar Heights Baptist Church.