Dennis Lee Wheeler, known to his friends as Denny, was born on September 1, 1937, in Howe, Nebraska, to Dona (Lare) and Raymond Wheeler. Dennis lived on the family farm through his youth and graduated from Auburn High School.

Dennis was married to Carol Zorn on January 6, 1957, in Auburn and the couple set out on a life grounded in family and hard work. They had two daughters, Lee and Leslie. And they built numerous businesses in Auburn, including the Wheeler Inn, the Dairy Chef, Wheeler Motels, Iron Kettle Antiques, Wheeler Real Estate, The Country Market, Fin and Feather Sporting Goods, Pioneer Seed and many others. The couple worked tirelessly to make their businesses successful parts of the Auburn community.

In his free time, Dennis enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, and collecting everything from Corvettes, to antique rifles, to coins, to fishing lures. In addition to his human children, Dennis had many canine “kids,” as he referred to his beloved dogs.

The Wheelers founded Hearts United for Animals in the early 1990s as a way to address the needs of homeless and unwanted dogs in the region. HUA, now located on its own acreage outside of town, has grown into a nationally-recognized animal welfare organization devoted to alleviating the suffering of dogs (and a few cats). HUA has rescued thousands of animals over the years.

Dennis died peacefully at home on July 30, 2024, with his wife Carol and his dogs by his side. He was 86.

In addition to his loving wife, Carol, Dennis is survived by his daughter Lee Wheeler, grandchildren Reb Wheeler, Vanessa Justus, Blake Justus, Jarrod Justus, Jessica Nerison, and Ethan Justus, great-grandchildren Ella, Ava, Maren, Brooklynn, Nolan, Millie, Jonathan, Christopher, Alexander, Leslie and Skylar. Daughter Leslie sadly passed away in 2014. Dennis will also be missed by his sister Patricia Lunzmann, nephews David, Dan and Darren Lunzmann and his many friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearts United for Animals at www.hua. org/donate/.