Anna Laura Funk Wheeler

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the age of 97. 

Anna was born to Cyril and Hazel Funk on March 30, 1927, in Logan, Utah. Born the eldest of six children during the throes of the Great Depression, Anna learned to work hard. As a child, she was expected to feed chickens, gather eggs, weed the garden, and–her most hated chore–milking old Bossie. Anna graduated from North Cache High School in 1945. She continued to seek learning and received her BS in Nursing at the University of Utah and later completed a postgraduate program in obstetrical nursing at the University of Washington. Anna excelled at nursing and spent much of her long career as a faculty member in the College of Nursing at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. 

Anna met the love of her life, Bert Wheeler, through a mutual friend. As Bert put it, Anna was a bit saucy on that first encounter, but he found her intriguing nonetheless. They soon started dating. After a whirlwind courtship of three months, Anna and Bert were married on January 24, 1951, in Richmond, Utah. Employment and educational opportunities took Anna and Bert to California, Indiana, New Jersey, and finally to Idaho. They raised six children in Shelley and Idaho Falls. 

Anna was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. According to Anna, the most beautiful day of her life was December 8, 1961, when she, her beloved Bert, and their six children were sealed together as a family in the Idaho Falls temple. Anna served in numerous callings in the church throughout her life, including organist, cub scout den leader, and primary teacher. After retirement, Anna and Bert were called to serve in the Family History Mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. After they completed that mission, Anna and Bert moved to Chandler, Arizona, and soon started serving in the Mesa, Arizona temple.

Nothing brought Anna greater joy than spending time with her posterity. When the grandchildren were younger, there was an annual family reunion, generally accompanied by matching homemade sweatshirts for everyone to wear. She spent countless hours quilting, and each grandchild selected a quilt pattern and fabric that she then lovingly made for them as a wedding gift. Anna relished visits from her grand and great-grandchildren. She would often demonstrate her mental prowess to anyone who listened by listing each and every one of her grand and great-grandchildren by name. 

Anna will be missed dearly. She will always be remembered for her quick wit, easy smile, warm hugs, and a freezer full of Blue Bell ice cream. 

Anna is survived by her children Richard Wheeler (Connie), Kristi Smith (Steve), Scott Wheeler (Sandy), Darcy Wheeler, daughter-in-law Janna Wheeler, and son-in-law Robert Gould. She has 22 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. 

Anna was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Bert Wheeler, son Michael Wheeler, daughter Carol Gould, son-in-law John Burton, granddaughter Lyndi Smith, and all five of her siblings. 

The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to The Enclave Chandler's excellent staff and especially to her caregiver and companion, Ema Bustamante. 

The viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho. Burial will follow at the Richmond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Aid or General Offerings. Anna loved red and flashy ornamentation. If you have one or both of those things, please join us in celebrating her life with her favorite color and bold style. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com