Tribute & Message From The Family
Brian J. Wheatley, 55, of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away on August 14, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 31, 1965 in Springfield, IL to Robert and Barbara (McAvoy) Wheatley. He married Cheryl Chambers on June 15, 1991.
Brian graduated from Griffin High School and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He was an Associate Creative Director at Scout Health in Chicago. He enjoyed playing the guitar, gardening, watching his kids play sports, and most recently, helping his son coach baseball.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Sugar Grove; his parents, Robert and Barbara Wheatley of Springfield; his children, Austin and Madelyn of Sugar Grove; brothers, Jeffrey of Deerfield and Stephen (Shannon) Wheatley of Edinburg; aunts, Judith Eisenhut of Indianapolis, IN, Nancy Schneeman of Pontiac, Dianne Martin, of Port St. Lucie, FL and Linda Lamberton of Crossville, TN; mother-in-law, Carolyn Chambers of Springfield; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Jenny) Chambers III of Mechanicsburg and Michael (Tracey) Chambers of Athens;sister-in-law, Pam Chambers; nieces and nephews, Dylan and Brooke Wheatley, Zachary, William, Kaleb, Delayne, Macey and Luke (Amanda) Chambers and Tricia (Richie) Ulery and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernard and Mary Wheatley and Harold and Mary McAvoy; uncles, Jack and Don Wheatley and father-in-law, Ralph Chambers, Jr. and brother-in-law, Steven Chambers.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 from 4-8 p.m. at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove. Mass will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at St. Aloysius Church, 2000 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield with visitation at 10 a.m. and mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation for Lymphoma Research.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Wheatley Family:
My deepest condolences to the entire Wheatley family. Brian and I were childhood friends from the north end. Brian was always so much fun to be with, always smiling, laughing and joking around. Although we didn’t see each other often as adults, some of my best childhood memories are those spent with Brian. He was definitely one of the good guys. May God bless Brian, and all the Wheatley family.
Posted by
Jim Kulek - Friend August 29, 2020
While extremely talented, even more so, Brian was a joy to be around. I loved going to work knowing that I had the pleasure of sitting next to him all day, laughing at his jokes and hilarious industry stories from over the years. The Earth lost a wonderful person. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends. RIP Brian, we will miss you.
Posted by
Cait Leppert - Chicago, IL - coworker August 27, 2020
Shocked to just read this about Brian's passing. My condolences to all. We met in high school and graduated in "83 together and alphebetically seated close by. Loved his sence of humor, personality, and kindness. So sorry for everyones heartfelt loss. He was a great one and a very smart guy that never left anybody out . May his indomitable spirit carry on in those that were privileged to have crossed this path or be a part of his life.
Posted by
Scott Sables - Classmate August 23, 2020
Brian:
My beloved nephew, because of health challenges I was unable to go to your visitation and funeral. That broke my heart to pieces. I wanted to see you on this earth for the last time, but, "the ways of the Lord are unsearchable". I have a Catholic priest, a friend, he without hesitation answered to my plea, to say a Mass in your honor and in thanksgiving, here in Indianapolis, Indiana. It happened when you were going to your place of earthly rest in the Springfield, Il. cemetery. My tears became tears of joy. You have been throughout your life a faithful follower of our faith and also, a faithful son, husband, father,friend and dedicated servant of the civil community using through your work, the talents you received from Above for the benefit of others. You deserve the crown of glory. God, I am sure when He welcomed you into paradise said: " Come my reliable steward to enjoy everlasting happiness". Still your family miss you and I, your aunt will cherished your memories and ever you will be in my heart.
Judy.
Posted by
Judy Eisenhut - Indianapolis, IN - Family August 21, 2020
Brian was a pleasure and an all around great guy. Grateful to have known him. My prayers are with his loved ones - may there be peace.
Posted by
Blythe Brandon - coworker August 20, 2020
Bob and Barb-so sorry to learn about your son, Prayers for your family.
Posted by
Linda Peterson Zimmerman - Friend August 19, 2020
Around 23 years ago I met Brian for the first time in Indianapolis, Indiana. He came to visit his aunt Judy Eisenhut.
Brian impressed me. Not to long then he married Cheryl and had recently his first born child: Austin. He shared with me his plans: how to be an exemplary husband, father, member of the civil and religious communities. Brian has a plan for his life, wanted to be a positive contributor, make a visible difference sharing his life with his family and in his own environment. He did it, he accomplished his dreams, totally? We might say: no. Early he left this mortal world, 55 years of age on July 31 in this current year. But, It is not having a long life as an opportunity to do many exemplary things. Brian did not waste a second, his contribution is outstanding. He will be remembered as a vivid example for us to follow, Brian, let's say, received three talents to use in his life and last Friday, August 14 God asked him for a detailed report: I am sure Brian said in humility: You, Lord gave three and I invested them and I am returning to you a hundred or more talents. The Lord, according to the Gospels with a big smile and a big hug, I bet, told Brian: "Come to posses an everlasting joy and rest, my faithful and reliable servant"
Still, we missed those who loved and leave us. We have feelings.
My condolences to his wife, children, parents and rest of his family.
Brian went too soon "to prepare a place for us", but, he wanted even so to continue loving, serving and caring for his neighbor. His faith was lived and practice one hundred per cent. It is evident, we are witnesses of it. Thank you Brian for teaching us how to be a good shepherd. We give thank to God for your fruitful life, but, we still miss you.
Fr. Mauro
Posted by
Fr. Mauro Rodas - Friend August 19, 2020
Wheatley Family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Brian was an kind and inspiring person who will be missed by many. We have great softball memories of him and his filming. May all of his memories comfort you in these times of sorrow. God Bless you and guide you through this hard time. Peace be with you all. Lauren and Linda Swiech Family
Posted by
Linda Swiech - Sugar Grove, IL - Friend August 18, 2020
My thoughts and prayers to all. I pray that God will put His arms around each of you and give you the strength to get through the days that follow. Hugs and love.
Janet Hergenrother
Posted by
Janet Hergenrother - Friend August 18, 2020
Barb and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers. May he Rest In Peace.
Posted by
Carol Coleman - Springfield, IL - Family Friend August 18, 2020
Cheryl and family, I am so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. My prayers are with you now, and in the days ahead. May your happy memories bring you peace and comfort.
Posted by
Joanne Fleck Gaston - Friend August 18, 2020
Bob, Barb, Jeff, and Steve, I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Kenny Fults - Arnold, MO - Friend August 18, 2020
Brian was an amazing guy. Loved working with him. Work at AT was serious, but his humor always lit up the room. I am very sorry for this loss and wish the family strength and patience.
Posted by
Syed Ahmed - Chicago, IL - coworker August 17, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Brian at AT many years ago! I have nothing but fond memories and he always made me laugh! My thoughts and prayers for his family during this difficult time.
Posted by
Myra Rasmussen - Wilmington, NC - Coworker August 17, 2020
I miss our conversations; 5 minutes about work, 30 minutes about anything else! Deepest sympathies to family and friends.
Posted by
Brad McFee - Providence, RI - Coworker August 17, 2020
Brian was one of the nicest people I've had the opportunity to work with. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Posted by
Dave Schafer - Buffalo Grove, IL - coworker August 17, 2020
Cheryl and Family, our sincere condolences on the tragic loss of Brian.
Posted by
Allan and Chris Mills - St. Charles, IL - Coworker August 17, 2020
Brian was such a fun personality to be around. We almost always had a laugh ever time I saw him. He was humorous, smart, logical and insightful. I've missed my daily interactions with him as a colleague going on 7 years. Now we all will miss him.
Posted by
Chris Bonk - Palatine, IL - coworker August 17, 2020
Brian was such an excellent human and coworker. Deepest sympathies ❤
Posted by
Brandi Homan August 17, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Jeff and family. Brian was i nice guy,always smiling.
Posted by
Gary Selvaggio - Springfield, IL - classmate August 17, 2020
Brian was the most awesome boss/friend someone could ask for. I was so so BLESSED to have worked with him for 12 years... when he wasn't at AT anymore it just was not the same. We usually had a daily chat unrelated to work and it always made my day brighter... I got lots of wisdom from him with... take it or leave it as he would say. His no nonsense tell you like it is style was what I loved most about him! His love for Cheryl, Austin and Maddy was like no other! Wheatley family I will miss him so very much and you are all in my prayers and thoughts. Please let me know if you need anything at all. I know how difficult this time is having gone through it recently.
Posted by
Marnie Ungeran - Downers Grove, IL - Coworker August 17, 2020
We are going to miss your great smile & jokester personality.
You were truly one of a kind!
May you Rest In Peace our beloved friend.
Love Frank & Helen Herran
Posted by
Helen Herran - Ontario, OR - friend August 17, 2020
Dear Barb & Bob & family~I am sending you hugs from afar, you are in our hearts & prayers & May God Bless You all With His Comforting Arms & Bless You All With His Love~~~ May God Rest Brian's soul & May God bless his wife Cheryl & children with His comfort & strength~
Posted by
Bill & Vikki Warren - Springfield, IL - Friend August 17, 2020
He was such a great guy and so easy to work with. I know he will be missed by many people. I will be at the wake tomorrow.
Posted by
Marie Mikulskis August 17, 2020
Wheatley Family, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one (Husband, Dad, Brother, Son, Friend). May your warm thoughts and memories help you through the passing days. Angie Washington & Family)
Posted by
Angie Washington - Bolingbrook, IL - Coworker August 17, 2020
Brian was a big part of my childhood. Then one day as adults, we ran into each other at the Aurora Train Station, 200 miles from where we grew up! I would have recognized that crooked grin any where. We talked as if we had seen each other yesterday. That's just how wonderful Brian was!
Posted by
Judi Palmatier - Aurora, IL - friend August 17, 2020
You will be missed Prayers to your family at this such a hard time !!!
Posted by
gary grady - Keizer, OR - Friend August 17, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Barb, Bob, Cheryl, Austin, Maddy, Jeff and Steve on Brian’s passing. We know he put up a good fight to concur the lymphoma but the Dear Lord had other plans for him as an angel to help others. May he Rest In Peace. Our prayers are with all of you at this time.
Carolyn & John Minder
Sarasota, FL
Posted by
Carolyn and John Minder August 17, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the Wheatley and Chambers families. I'm so sorry Cheryl, Austin, and Maddy. Brian was a lot of great things, but I saw him as super thoughtful, funny, and one of a kind. Whether it was taking me out to a Cubs game when I first moved to Chicago or helping me find job opportunities and coaching me in my advertising career, he had a big heart. Sorry I can't be there in person. Thoughts are with you and the family.
Posted by
Justin Wells - Brooklyn, NY - Family August 16, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the Wheatley and Chambers families. I am so sorry Cheryl, Austin, and Maddy. Brian was a lot of great things, but I saw him as super thoughtful, funny, and one of a kind. Whether it was taking me out to a Cubs game when I first moved to Chicago or helping me find job opportunities and coaching me in my advertising career, he had a big heart. Sorry I can’t be there in person. Thoughts are with you and the family.
Posted by
Justin Wells - Family August 16, 2020
To the Wheatley family, so sorry about the loss of Brian. What a nice generous man he was. Funny too, always there with a good story. We have missed the Wheatley's since Jamie graduated but have thought of Brian and you often. He did so much for us with his video work for Jamie's recruiting process. We will always be grateful. We hope your faith gives you comfort in this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Scott and Annmarie Martens.
Posted by
Scott Martens - Loudon, TN August 16, 2020
Brian, I know that Cheryl is my blood cousin but I have always thought of you, Tracy and Jenny as my cousins too. Ron and I as well as our church family and our Pastor Brian Foxworth send their condolences to your family. We will miss seeing you physically but we are happy that you are free of that lymphoma and are resting in the arms of Jesus, our Beloved Lord and Savior. We send our love to everyone of you, Nancy and Ron Eller
Posted by
Nancy Eller - Hemet, CA - Family August 16, 2020
Cheryl,
We are deeply saddened on Brian's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by
Dave & Vicki Story - St Louis, MO - Family August 16, 2020
Brain, your free to fly! I love & miss you & I'll see you again....❤
Posted by
Dick Theobald - Elburn, IL - Friend August 16, 2020
Sending many prayers and condolences from the Savino family. We enjoyed our time at the softball fields together watching our girls play.
Posted by
Shannon Savino - Lake in the Hills, IL August 16, 2020
Dear Cheryl,
So very sorry for you and your family's loss. May God be with you at distressing time.
Posted by
Marilyn Thomas - Springfield, IL - Family August 16, 2020
Condolences to the Wheatley family. Saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I hope that your happy memories of Brian will comfort you in your grief.
Posted by
Jo Ellen Bretz - Friend August 16, 2020
Cheryl, Barb and Bob and family we are so incredibly sorry to hear about Brian's passing our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all
Posted by
Brenda Bigley - Rochester, IL - Friend August 16, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to the entire family.
Posted by
Randy Smith - Springfield, IL - friend August 16, 2020
