Michael Wade Wheelis

Michael passed away peacefully in his home in Salem, Oregon with his wife and daughters by his side after a six-month battle with metastatic colon cancer. Michael was 75 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Debra, daughters Melissa Boeck (husband Gerrit) and Erin Wheelis, as well as grandchildren Emily Louderback (husband Caden), Elijah Boeck and John Thomas Boeck. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Nelson, Ann Niese, Marie McClendon, Marilyn Lowery, and brother Thomas Wheelis as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other extended family and dear friends.

Mike, the youngest of seven children, was born in Pecos, Texas to Thomas Bryant Wheelis and Lois Ellen (Galloway) Wheelis. He moved to Maricopa, Arizona when he was 15 years old to help his father run the family’s cotton farm. After high school, Mike attended Arizona State University briefly, but was enjoying himself too much to complete his studies, so he joined the Army National Guard.

Several members of his unit were Phoenix Police Officers, and they encouraged him to apply. He graduated from the academy in 1972, and worked as a Patrol Officer for approximately six years. Next, he spent several years as a Hostage Negotiator in the Special Assignment Unit, then became a Night Detective, Sex Crimes Unit Detective, and finally a Homicide Detective. During this duty assignment he also became an ALEOAC instructor.

Mike married his wife, Deb, on August 19, 1978. They were blessed with two daughters, Melissa and Erin. Besides his career as a police officer, he spent some of his free time coaching both of his daughters in softball as well as coaching middle-school aged boys in Pop Warner Football. He sneaked in fishing trips occasionally, too.

Mike transferred to Patrol once again so he could return to college and finish his university degree in education. He wanted to combine his love of teaching and coaching in his new career. Just as he was finishing his college degree and preparing for student teaching, he was shot on duty September 4, 1991, as he responded to a shooting involving another Phoenix Police Officer. Although seriously wounded, he provided information that kept other officers and civilians from further danger and was recognized with a Citation for Medal of Valor by Chief Dennis Garrett.

Mike spent the next year healing and working at the academy before retiring in August 1992. He then spent the next nine years teaching and coaching at Payson High School as well as becoming a district administrator. As a defensive coach, he was part of the 1997 Payson High School 3A Arizona State Football Champion team.

Mike and Deb moved to Riverside, California to continue their teaching careers, with Mike coaching football as well. He also became an assistant principal during his tenure in Riverside, and after 5 years, he and Deb moved to Canyon Lake, Texas where he expected to retire. Deb returned to college to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while Mike remodeled a house, and then they moved back to Arizona to help care for her parents.

They lived in Flagstaff, Arizona where Mike was an active member and officer in the Elks Lodge #499, as well as spending time with family and enjoying his grandchildren. However, Mike did not retire well. He also worked part time as a bailiff, volunteered with Victim Witness Services and then became a manager who supported the advocates at Victim Witness Services.

Mike and Deb moved to Portugal in August 2022, traveled throughout Europe, and returned to the USA in May 2025. He loved to travel, spend time with friends and family, and make Deb laugh. They were accosted at Sky Harbor Airport more than once because someone heard Mike laugh and was able to locate him. His infectious laugh, love for his family, and sense of adventure will be missed forever by family and close friends.