In Loving Memory of Robert Howard Wheeler

Robert Howard Wheeler passed away on September 11, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 70. He was born on March 24, 1952 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to Robert (Pete) Howard Wheeler and Martina Kohl Corbett. When Rob was 8 years old, he and his parents moved to Colorado Springs from Panama City Beach, Florida. He graduated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs. Rob’s first marriage was to Cindy Koetter, whom he met in college. He later met Heather King and the two were married September 18, 1993. Though their marriage ended in divorce, they eventually reunited and were re-married November 9, 2016. Rob always liked to say, “the divorce just didn’t work out!”

Rob met all of his life-long friends while attending school and college in Colorado.  He enjoyed exploring the Rocky Mountains with many of those wonderful people and playing music with several other talented musicians that he also regarded as true friends.  After teaching one year of high school and coaching wrestling, he traveled with several bands to make a living.  When he was 30 years old, Rob went to law school to become an attorney and was eventually appointed to serve as a County Judge in Clear Creek County. As a professional guitarist, Rob was a musical artist first, and an attorney by trade. He also had many other interests, which included climbing, snow skiing, reading, and playing recreational hockey and volleyball. He was also a movie buff, a trivia bowl winner, and a huge fan of the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos, and Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling.

  In 1996 Rob and Heather were blessed with a son, Kohl Wheeler.  The role of father topped all others and Rob took great pride in watching Kohl grow up in Colorado and Iowa.  In 2014, prior to Kohl leaving Iowa to attend college in Colorado, Rob suffered an ischemic stroke.  This led to retirement from his most recent position as an Administrative Law Judge in Des Moines, IA.  Rob’s goal to return to Colorado Springs for retirement was fulfilled in 2019 and many good times were had with friends prior to the unfortunate, life limiting diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in 2020.  Despite health issues later in life, Rob always expressed gratitude for a lifetime of unique and fulfilling experiences.  His last days spent at home with family and friends allowed him to pass with dignity and grace.

Rob is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Marty. He is survived by his beloved family which includes his wife Heather, son Kohl Wheeler (Mackenzie), daughter by marriage Alysa Sanchez (Sergio), and grandson Oliver Augustine Sanchez.

Rob participated in the “Hungry Farmer Bands Reunion” on Thanksgiving Eve for nearly 40 years. His fellow musicians/friends will perform for this public event for the last time on November 23rd, 2022, at Stargazers Theater & Event Center in Colorado Springs. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date, but in the meantime, we can pay tribute to Rob at this event in November.