Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Genevieve.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Genevieve Wheeler
On the 24th of June in 1923, Homer and Tweedie (Lamb) Boardman welcomed a baby girl they called Genevieve into their family. She had a friendship and camaraderie with her 4 sisters and her brother. She learned hard work watching her Father farm in Indiana and then in Illinois. Growing up in the Hindsboro area, Genevieve told stories of doing laundry and housework for an older woman for a nickel a day. Years later she met a man at a Sunday school picnic and for almost 50 years it was Bill and Genevieve. The couple settled north of Oakland on the family homestead; initially living in an old family home with no electricity or running water. They, along with Lester (Bill's Dad), kept the family farm going, later raising chickens and cattle. Many families grew up feeding their family eggs from the Wheeler's farm. Genevieve loved a bargain, but was generous with others. She valued her privacy and the privacy of others; a challenge in a small town, but she made it happen. She made amazing roast beef and noodles from scratch and really knew how to make "Sunday Dinner." As the years went by, she found herself in the role of caretaker again and again, for her sisters, her mother, her husband, and even her children. Her children and grandchildren knew, if you were really in a bind and needed some help, Genevieve would help if she could. When others would attempt to take care of Genevieve, she would often end up helping them in some way. Whether she was driving a tractor (which she did well into her 80's), cutting her grass (which she did last week), or simply playing with a baby, she had a driving sense that she should, as she said recently "be of use to somebody." She remained independent, driving and living on her own. After a day filled with family, friends, and helping others, Genevieve passed away quietly at home while watching the morning weather on October 10, 2013. She was 90 years old. She leaves behind 2 grandchildren, their spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 13, 2013, from 5 p,m, until 7 p.m. at Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 14, 2013 at 10 a.m. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Oakland Memorial Library or to Antioch Church, church camp fund.
