Rev. Charles R. Wheeler

Rev. Charles was born December 31, 1946 in Olean, NY, son of the late Kenneth and Mary Wheeler.

He graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree and eventually attending seminary school to become an Episcopal priest. He worked for 30 years in Child Protective Services with the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services. His passion in life was serving the Episcopal Diocese of Buffalo, first as deacon and then as Episcopal priest. Rev. Charles held various positions within the Episcopal Diocese including serving as the Deacon-in-Charge at St. Peter Episcopal Church in Westfield, NY, and as a Deacon at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Dunkirk, NY. He served as Rector of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Buffalo among several other Episcopal churches in the region. Rev. Wheeler also served as the Regional Ministry Cleric Chairperson in Chautauqua County.

Rev. Wheeler is survived by his wife, Gayle Wheeler; Stepchildren: Charles Keib (Nancy Schaus), Barbara Nelson (Richard), Karen Hall (Jon) Step-grandchildren: Christopher Keib, Kailyn Tanski (Alan) and Kevyn Nelson (Dominique); also survived by seven great-step grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave. Fredonia, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, from 2-5 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 16 W. Fourth St., Dunkirk, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at 12 pm. Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com.