Yuba City recently lost Michael Charles Wheeler, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist, who passed away a little over a month ago. Recognized for his selfless acts and extensive community contributions, Mr. Wheeler's legacy was celebrated during a Sutter County Board of Supervisors meeting on Sept. 8 by Supervisor Dan Flores, who read from an account of his accomplishments.
Mr. Wheeler experienced a heart attack on July 22 and, following what was initially considered a “miraculous” recovery, he unexpectedly passed away. A celebration of life is scheduled to be held on Oct. 11.
Mr. Wheeler dedicated five decades to the family business, Wheeler Oldsmobile Cadillac, which was established by his father, David W. Wheeler, in 1960. Located in Yuba City, the dealership, now known as Wheeler Automotive, saw Mr. Wheeler serve as general manager, president, and chief executive officer. His son, Cole Wheeler, 34, who has managed the dealership's operations for about six years, described his father as “kind of just everything,” emphasizing his commitment to customer service and local commerce.
Beyond his work at the dealership, Michael Wheeler was a founding member of California Independent Bancorp and Feather River State Bank, serving on both boards of directors from 1975 to 2004. In 2006, he became a founding member of River Valley Community Bank, continuing his service on its board until his death. John M. Jelavich, President and Chief Executive Officer of River Valley Community Bank, stated that Mr. Wheeler was “more than a founding director… he was a trusted advisor, a wise counselor, and friend,” highlighting his thoughtful perspective and dedication to the community's best interests.
Mr. Wheeler was a passionate supporter of youth sports in the community. He was an early member and served as president of the Yuba-Sutter Youth Soccer League from 1986 to 1987. He played a crucial role in the development of soccer fields at Beckwourth Riverfront Park, which are now known as Wheeler Auto Center Soccer Complex, a site he sponsored for 40 years. For 25 seasons, Mr. Wheeler coached the area’s first competitive soccer team, “The Bears,” and was deeply involved in coaching his own children’s sports teams.
The dealership’s front lobby displays numerous certificates of appreciation, recognizing Mr. Wheeler’s support for various local organizations including Sutter Buttes Little League, Yuba City Unified School District, Gray Avenue Middle School, VFW Post 4095, the Marysville Bok Kai Parade, Fairway to Health, the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce, the Alzheimer’s Association (Walk to End Alzheimer’s), Butte Vista Parent Club, and American Cancer Club. Elicia Stewart of Walk to End Alzheimer’s noted that the Wheeler family has been “dedicated supporters and one of our top Sponsor contributors for many years,” and the organization made a special presentation to Wheeler Auto Center in Mr. Wheeler's honor. The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Born on Sept. 18, 1949, in San Francisco to David and Ellen Wheeler, his family later settled in Yuba City. He graduated from Yuba City High School, where he played basketball as the first point guard for coach Mel Good. He initially studied physics at UC Berkeley before transferring to Stanford University, where he earned a BA in economics and an MBA while also playing on the lacrosse team. He returned to Yuba City in 1973.
Cole Wheeler highlighted his father's active lifestyle, noting his consistent schedule of fitness activities including CrossFit, the racquet club, and spin classes. He was known as a very driven and competitive individual, with many friends from these activities. Supervisor Dan Flores remarked that Mr. Wheeler “put his family and his friends before everything else.” Cole Wheeler also emphasized his father's humility, stating that he “didn’t like to brag” and preferred for his actions to speak louder than words.
Moving forward, Cole Wheeler expressed his commitment to continuing his father’s traditions, particularly his passion for promoting local buying within the Yuba-Sutter Community and operating the business with integrity, always prioritizing what is right for the customer. The celebration of Michael Wheeler's life is scheduled for Oct. 11.
