BOONE, Iowa—John Lee “Bull” Wheelock, 73, of Boone, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone.
John was born June 10, 1950, in Boone, the son of Patrick and Elaine (Clark) Wheelock. He attended Sacred Heart School and Boone High School.
John served from 1969-1971, with the US Army during the Vietnam War. While serving he acquired his high school diploma. John obtained the rank of PV2 and was trained as a mechanic and vehicle driver in the Army. He received a marksman’s commendation (M-14 Rifle) and was stationed at Ft. Riley in Kansas, and Ft. Polk in Louisiana.
John was united in marriage to Donna Sizemore on February 16, 1973, in Unionville, MO. To this union a daughter, Misty, was born. They later divorced in 1991.
John lived in Eldora and Boone the majority of his life, with a couple of years in Minnesota. He was a truck driver for a few years in the 70’s, before beginning his 40+ year career as an auto mechanic. John had his on shop, John’s Auto, from 1983-1991, and then worked for several shops in the Boone area before retiring.
John enjoyed cars, trucks, motorcycles, races, watching Christmas Cartoons during the holidays, his pet wolf Nakota, and professional wrestling. He always looked forward to spending time with his daughter and grandchildren and helping his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Elaine Wheelock; sister, Cathy Connally; niece, Heather Connally; and son-in-law, John Pickens.
John is survived by his daughter, Misty (fiancé Thomas Shaw) Pickens of Boone; two grandchildren, Quentin Pickens of Eldora and Jeanie Foster of Boone; two great-granddaughters, Ruby Lee Pickens and Wynter Pickens both of Fort Dodge; nephew, Patrick Connally of Odessa, TX; several cousins and friends who became his brothers.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, February 27, 2024, at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, in Boone. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 915 12th Street, in Boone. Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Boone, with military honors by the Boone Veteran’s Council.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to John’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
