February 12, 1933 – October 20, 2026
Robert Paul Wheeler was born in Englewood, Colorado, on February 12, 1933. Shortly thereafter, his family relocated to Colorado Springs, where he remained a lifelong resident. Following the tragic accidental death of his adoptive father, Bob spent the remainder of his childhood at the Myron Stratton Home. He passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob met the love of his life, Nancy Mae Leithold, at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. Nancy and her friend Judy had called the church to arrange transportation to an event, and Bob was asked to drive them to and from the church. As they say, the rest is history! They were married just over 64 years. Judy met Bob’s best friend, Roger, and the two later married. The friendship between the two couples continued throughout their adult lives. They even had the honor of serving as each other’s Best Man and Matrons of Honor, sharing a lifetime of friendship and memories.
Bob and Nancy cherished time with family and friends, especially traveling with Nancy’s sister Marilyn and her husband, Mark. Together, they shared many wonderful adventures and established a tradition of annual family trips that continued until their children were grown. Their children remain deeply grateful for these experiences, which fostered lasting connections, wonderful memories, and close, loving relationships that remain strong today.
Bob was a Navy veteran. Following his military service, he worked for the Gazette before beginning a long career with the City of Colorado Springs as a dispatcher in the Gas Division. He was known for his strong work ethic, and he was well respected and liked by his coworkers. But perhaps what they remember most was his quick wit and practical jokes. One particular prank prompted a coworker to exclaim, “Wheeler, I thought that was going to be your last day!” When Bob retired after 34 years, his coworkers presented him with a plaque inscribed, “Thank you for keeping us entertained for the past 34 years.”
Even retirement didn’t keep Bob away for long. When the City imposed water restrictions, he was asked to return temporarily to help enforce them. When homeowners denied watering their lawns despite evidence to the contrary, Bob often found a humorous way to make his point. On one occasion, he showed a homeowner a video of a rubber ducky he had placed floating down the street in the water running from their property. Even in the course of his work, Bob found a way to bring a little laughter into someone’s day.
Faith was an important part of Bob’s life. A faithful servant of the Lord, he was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as both an Elder and Deacon. He also volunteered at Marion House Soup Kitchen and gave freely of his time in many other capacities. In his young adult years, he was involved with Young Life and The Navigators. Throughout his life, he took every opportunity to serve, encourage, and help others.
Bob loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, skiing, canoeing, animals, and traveling with family and friends. Above all, he had a wonderful gift for wit and humor. He especially enjoyed practical jokes, often entertaining coworkers, family, and friends with his creative and sometimes crazy antics. His son, Kurt, shares his father’s comedic gift, and the two of them frequently brought everyone to tears with laughter, particularly around the Sunday dinner table. Those moments of laughter became treasured family memories.
Bob had a natural ability to brighten someone’s day. He made friends wherever he went and was someone people genuinely enjoyed being around. His humor, positive outlook, and words of encouragement touched countless lives. He had a way of making people feel welcome, bringing laughter into ordinary moments, and reminding those around him not to take life too seriously. His family and friends will forever cherish the laughter, love, and memories he leaves behind.
Bob’s greatest gift was his ability to bring joy to those around him. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated in the stories that continue to make us laugh.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Wheeler; his son, Kurt Wheeler; his daughter, Roxanne Dufort, and son-in-law, Guy Dufort; and his nephews: Craig (Nancy), Brent, Scott (Alecia), and Eric Spink, along with their children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to a charity that holds special meaning to you.