BATAVIA - Bruce “Craig” Wheeler, 72, of Batavia, formerly of Paw Paw, passed away Sept. 8, 2019 in Naperville.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw, 398 Chicago Road, with luncheon following at the church.

Craig was born July 21, 1947 to Bruce and Verdell Wheeler.

Survivors include three nieces, Michelle (Jim) Bohlig of Lake Elmo, Minn., Gay Lynn (Tim) Wons of Naperville, and Megan (Tom) Petit of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and eight great-nieces and nephews, McKenzie and Matthew Bohlig, Lauren, Lindsay, Ryan and Alex Wons, and Baylie and Nate Petit.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Jacqueline McLaughlin.

Craig grew up in Paw Paw and attended Northern Illinois University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in finance and an MBA. He worked in Chicago for NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) for 33 years and became a Supervisor of Examiners. He was an active member of Fox Valley Presbyterian Church and a regular volunteer at the Batavia Historical Society Museum and the local food pantry. He was an avid reader and loved to study American History and World War II (in which his father served). He was also a world traveler who visited Europe several times. Some of his most memorable trips included fishing in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada with his father, excursions to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, trips to his ancestral Norway, and a recent trip to Australia. He also had a deep appreciation for Native American culture and collected many related artifacts and pieces of artwork. Much of his collection is being donated in his name to the Schingoethe Center at Aurora University. He will be remembered as a dedicated son and a generous uncle.

Donations in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org or Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 East Side Drive, Geneva, IL 60134 (foxvalleypres.org).