Veta "Fern" Wheeler, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at the Winslow House Care Center, Marion. Services were 1 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2010, at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Marion, by Rev. Dennis Sackett. The family greeted friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010, at the funeral home. Private Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include one daughter, Judith (Del) Boardman of Walker; four grandchildren: Lori (Kevin) Morgan of Marion, Kelley Cooney of Marion, Kerry (Racquel) Miller of Cedar Rapids and Heather Miller of Cedar Rapids; eight great-grandchildren: Kaylin, Joseph, Casey, Cody, Kyle, Tavian, Camryn and Brooklyne; one sister, Zelma O'Neal of Cedar Rapids; and several nephews and special nieces that lovingly called her "Auntie Mom."

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Dixie Ray; five sisters and four brothers.

Fern was born May 22, 1919, the daughter of Calvin and Mary (Landes) Longfellow, in Cainsville, Mo. She married Mark Elzo Wheeler on April 15, 1939, in Vinton. Fern attended Prairie Creek Church in Vinton. She will best be remembered for her philosophy that "back door guests are the best" and that "laughter is the best medicine."

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the loving staff at Winslow House Care Center in Marion and Saint Luke's Hospice, for all of the special care that was given to Fern.

A memorial fund has been established in Fern's Memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Fern at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.