Dupo, Illinois Native and Senior Olympics Weightlifter Michael Anthony Wheatley, 68, Passes Away, Survived by Wife Linda and Five Children

Michael Anthony Wheatley chose to offer his body to the St. Louis University Anatomical Gift Program.

September 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 4, 2026

Michael Anthony Wheatley, a native of Dupo, Illinois, and a former athlete, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, at an untimely age of 68, leaving his family, friends, and loved ones heartbroken.

While his family hasn’t yet disclosed the cause of his untimely death, states that Michael Anthony Wheatley passed away peacefully at his residence.

Born on August 7, 1957, to late parents, Joseph ‘Jay’ and Charlotte Wheatley, Michael ‘Mike’ began his athletic journey from a very young age.

He played multiple sports at Dupo High School, from which he graduated in 1975.

Furthermore, Michael also touched the lives of many athletes in the community, serving as a local baseball and softball coach for years and guiding his son through his high school baseball journey.

Michael Anthony Wheatley was a fitness enthusiast and worked passionately on health and fitness, serving as a trainer.

He earned medals in the Senior Olympics for weightlifting and still holds two world records for his age group.

In addition to his athletic journey, Michael also served as a postmaster at the US Postal Service for 37 years, overseeing post offices in New Douglas and East Carondelet, Illinois.

Mike was a 32nd-degree member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Illinois and enjoyed participating in many local parades with the Ainad Shriners’ Compact Unit.

Michael Anthony Wheatley is Survived By His Wife, Linda, Five Kids, and The Whole Family

Michael Wheatley was not just an amazing athlete but also a great husband to his longtime wife, Linda Proffer Wheatley.

Late Michael Anthony Wheatley found love again in his second wife, Linda Proffer Wheatley, after the death of his first wife, Jeanne Hopkins Wheatley.

Linda and Michael were happily married for 24 years and lived their life to the fullest until his passing. They went on numerous road trips on Mike’s Harley Road King Classic and enjoyed each other’s company.

In addition to being a devoted husband to Linda, Michael was also a great father to his children, Krista Thomas Wheatley, Michael Wheatley, Angela Garrett, Kara Leigh Dell-Hunt, and Mary Putnam.

His son, Michael Wheatley, followed in his footsteps in sports and as a fitness trainer. Michael played baseball in high school.

After earning his degree in kinesiology and exercise science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Michael’s son, Michael Jr., began his career as an exercise physiologist and nutritionist.

Since 2004, has been serving as the personal trainer and nutritionist at Bfit2 Training.

His daughter, earned her Bachelor’s degree in theatre performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2005 and has been serving as an EMR Analyst at St. Anthony’s Medica Center in Illinois since 2016.

Very little information is available about his other three children, as they prefer to maintain a low profile.

In addition to his wife and children, Michael Anthony Wheatley is survived by his son-in-laws, Russ Thomas, Freddy Garrett, Christopher Putnam, daughter-in-law, Jessica Wheatley, grandchildren, Kyleigh, Noah, Kyah, Makayla, Emmitt, Jackson, Jordan, Charlotte, and Katy, mother-in-law, Irma Proffer, and the whole family.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Garden Leven (lower level beneath the church), 411 Palmer Road, Columbia, Illinois 62236.
• In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and Shriners’ Children’s Hospital in Michael’s memory.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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