Carla Wheeler

Carla Marie Wheeler, 32, of Alexandria, MN, died on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Alomere/Douglas County Hospital with her family by her side after a long battle with cancer.

She was born on June 11, 1986, in Staples, Minnesota and was adopted on January 8, 1990 by Charles and Deborah Tangeman of Nevis, MN.  Carla was united in marriage to Christopher Wheeler on April 26, 2008.

Carla graduated from Verndale High School in 2005.  She was active in Youth Group at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Bluegrass, MN.  She enjoyed playing the piano and saxophone and excelled in Tae Kwon Do earning her black and brown belt, one step away from a full black belt.

Carla had a dream of being in Law Enforcement and went on several ride-alongs with Wadena County Sheriffs Officers.  She joined the Red Bulls (Military Police Division) of the Minnesota National Guard.  During her training at Ft. Leonardwood Missouri, she severely tore her ACL, which led to her Honorable Discharge from the service.  After that she enrolled in Alexandria Technical College for Law Enforcement, only to find out that her knee couldn’t handle the stress.  Carla then became employed at Walmart in Alexandria where she met her husband-to-be, Chris.  Shortly after they met she started working at the Dairy Queen in Alexandria as Day Manager until she could no longer work due to her illness.  She also worked at Viking Speedway in the business office for four years.

Carla was a devoted mother to their two boys: Cylis and Conrad, who she adored.  She was so loved by her family and friends because of her positive attitude, caring heart and beautiful smile – especially when the Vikings were winning!

Carla is survived by her husband, Chris Wheeler; sons: Cylis and Conrad of Alexandria; parents: Chuck & Deb Tangeman of Nevis, MN; sisters: Sara Tangeman of Staples, MN, Amy Tangeman of Park Rapids, MN; brother, Adam Tangeman (Mindy) of Sebeka, MN and seven nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating.  Pallbearers were Adam Tangeman, Justin Torguson, Jason Rutland, Matt Callahan, Zachary Johnson and Paul Evans.  Burial will be at St. Frederick’s Cemetery in Verndale, MN.