Eleanor H. Wheeler

Eleanor H. Wheeler, nee Huguenard, age 95, of Brookfield, Illinois passed away peacefully July 28, 2026 at home. She is preceded in death by her husband Kevin E. Wheeler, her cherished son Owen Wheeler, her dear grandson Kyle Wheeler and her brothers Herbert Huguenard, Kenneth (Virginia) Huguenard, and Ronald (Cheryl) Huguenard.

Eleanor is survived by children Hugh (Deborah) Wheeler, Paul (Amy) Wheeler, Neil (Janine) Wheeler, Kathleen (Keith) Nelson and her daughter-in-law Cecily Mistarz. She is remembered as a beloved grandmother to Adriana Watson, Claire Nelson, Katelin Wheeler, Kyle Watson, and Kevin Wheeler. Eleanor is a treasured aunt to 14 nieces and nephews.

A woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. Eleanor lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, dedicated service, and enduring love.

Eleanor Ann Huguenard, born April 16, 1931, the child of Clement and Irene (Harber) Huguenard, grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she developed the values of hard work and learning that would guide her throughout her life. She pursued her education with determination earning a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1953 from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana. She then completed her Master of Science degree in 1955 from University of Kansas. Eleanor went on to work in research at the University of Illinois, Champaign where she met her husband, Kevin E. Wheeler of Chicago, Illinois. They were wed September 8, 1956 and raised five children in a loving and learning environment. The Wheelers moved to Brookfield, Illinois in 1971.

Eleanor was a devoted member of Saint Barbara Parish. She worked for the Brookfield Public Library for 25 years until her retirement. Eleanor was an enthusiastic genealogist who kept our family stories alive and thoroughly documented her family’s history. She was an avid correspondent who connected through letter writing. She is fondly remembered by many friends from her Brookfield neighborhood. Eleanor touched many lives and made cherished lifelong friends through her work at Brookfield Public Library.

Memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Visitation Sunday, August 9, 2026 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. and Monday, August 10, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Funeral 10:30 A.M. to St. Barbara Church, 4000 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513. Mass 11:00 A.M.

Interment Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery, Alsip.

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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