WHEELER, Jean

Jean Callahan Wheeler, a very special person, passed away Monday, June 11th after a brief fight following a serious stroke. Born in Minneapolis in 1916 to Ella Dupuis - youngest of 19 children - and Bill Callahan - middle of six boys, Jean graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1936, having just turned 20 years old. She went on to earn a Masters degree in Psychology in 1938, extremely rare for a woman in this era. But this was only one of Jean's many accomplishments. She raised four brilliant children (o.k., maybe only three fit that description - or is it two?), started her own business in the '60s and survived breast cancer in the '70s. Her faith, sense of purpose and undying selflessness lead to a life of volunteer and charity work. Jean was a lifetime member of the Minneapolis League of Catholic Women, did extensive work for the Courage Center in Minneapolis and Breast Cancer support groups in both Minneapolis and Scottsdale, as well as many, many hours volunteering for various parish causes. Jean loved the challenges posed by playing bridge, which she did 1-2 times per week until she was hospitalized in early June. Like her father, Bill, Jean always set aside time for the daily crossword puzzle. While at U of M, two individuals met their respective lifelong best friends and soul-mates - Jean and Frank. Married in 1940, they spent 67 years together enjoying and experiencing life to its fullest. They traveled the world having set foot on 6 of the 7 continents. Their quest for the 7th continent, Antarctica, at age 80+ fell just short due to illness as they rounded Cape Horn, some of the most turbulent and hazardous waters in the world. They were one of the first US citizens to venture back into China after Nixon's inaugural visit to reestablish relations with China. As if that weren't rough enough, they tacked on two more weeks in India - over a month - in two developing countries when their birth certificates indicated they were in their late 60s, but much younger in spirit, enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. One of their favorite spots was Hawaii; the family was fortunate to come together and enjoy the Island experience on two special occasions: Frank and Jean's 50th anniversary and Jean's 80th birthday. In addition to travel, Frank and Jean enjoyed playing golf, members of Interlachen (for over 40 years) in Edina, MN, De Anza in Borrego Springs, CA, and Terravita in Scottsdale, AZ. As well, they spent many innumerable Saturday evenings dressed in tux and gold lamé dancing until the wee hours. The challenge those nights, of course, was for the kids to see if they could either clean up the party mess or get home before Frank and Jean got home. Jean, a very, very special person, will be sorely missed by all whom she touched, but in particular Frank, for he has lost his soul-mate, and her children: Kathy (+ Pat McCarthy), Bud, Sue (+ Jack Beckman) [wait, this sounds like Father Knows Best; if that's the case, then the kids were Kathy, Bud and Princess - yes this sounds much more like the Wheeler household], and a much younger Jeff (+ Patty). Alas, we cannot forget the grandchildren and great grandchildren: Molly (+Steve Maurieri) and Patrick McCarthy, Scott, Eric (+Tracy) and Chris (who was first in line to greet Jean in heaven) Beckman, and Megan and Travis Wheeler; great grandchildren Nick, Rachel and Caroline Maurieri, and Elise Beckman. What treasure humanity lost, heaven gained. It was a great trip and we are blessed it lasted this long. Memorial service was held on Thursday evening, June 14, with prayers beginning at 7:00 pm at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. Memorials preferred to: Courage Center: 3915 Golden Valley Road Minneapolis, MN 55422; or Our Lady of Joy: PO Box 1359, Carefree, AZ 85377. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/14/2007.