Noreen A. Wheeler, 86, of Streator passed away Monday, August 11, 2025 at her residence in Streator surrounded by her family.

  Funeral services will be private.  The Solon-Telford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

  Born March 5, 1939 in Streator she was the daughter of John and Matilda (Negray) Peruba.  She married Richard M. “Dick” Wheeler on August 19, 1961 at St. Stephen’s Church, Streator.

  She is survived by her husband, Richard M. “Dick” Wheeler of Streator; a son, Gary (Cindy) Wheeler of Streator; a daughter, Cathy (Eric) Schmidt of Shreve, Ohio; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and a brother, Denny (Joan) Peruba of Ottawa.

  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Nancy Peruba.

  Born and raised in Streator she attended St. Stephen’s Grade School and graduated from Streator High School in the class of 1957.

  She was a member of the former St. Stephen’s Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Church.

  She worked for many years as a secretary at the LEASE office in Ottawa from where she retired.

  Mom (Meme) was the most selfless person we have ever known. She would routinely put others needs before her own. She was the family worrier, always concerned about our wellbeing and whatever was going on in everybody’s families. She was a family cheerleader, always supporting us in whatever endeavor we were involved with. Mom was an avid gardener, a love that she got from her mother Tillie and passed on to many of us in the family. But most of all she was Mom, the person that you could go to no matter what was going on in your life, be it good or bad. She was the calm in the storm, she was the hug, the I love you, the “you are a great parent and wonderful son/daughter.” She made our world right when it seemed like everything was wrong.

  After spending these last few weeks with her we now have a greater appreciation for holidays and visits to Meme and Papa’s house and all the work that she put in to make that visit our next best visit.

She took care of us for over 60 years. It was an honor to take care of her during her last few months in this world.

  She was one in a million and she was ours. We love you, Mom.

  We would like to express our gratitude to Mom’s caregivers Caitlin, Jackie and Aldonna. The care and love that they showed Mom gave us peace during this difficult time.

  Because of Mom’s love for gardening, the family asks that memorials be made to the Streator Garden Club or the Monarch Mission.

  Condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com