George Stuart Wheelock

George Stuart Wheelock, 84, of Huron, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Mercy New Life Hospice following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born November 25, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa, grew up in Portage Lakes near Akron, and resided in Huron for more than 60 years.

He moved to California when he was eighteen and joined the United States Coast Guard. George proudly served his country from 1959-1963 as an aviation electronics technician. He patrolled and flew fixed-winged and rotary-winged aircraft in Long Beach, the Bering Sea, the Arctic Circle, and the waters around Cuba. An Honorable Discharge led him back to Ohio (Avon Lake), where worked as a Service Technician for Diebold. During this time, he met the love of his life, Evelyn, and they married in 1966. He started with Ford Motor Company in 1967 as an Industrial Engineer at Lorain Assembly. He held many distinct roles with Ford, constantly striving to improve manufacturing systems and product development. During his tenure at Ford, he also raised his family while earning a Bachelor Degree of Science from The University of Toledo. Even after his retirement, George continued consulting with Ford, a testament to his knowledge, dedication, and passion for his work. He finally retired in 2006 after 40+ years at Lorain Assembly, Cleveland Engine and Jaguar in England.

George embraced life with enthusiasm. He bought his first boat at the age of twelve with money earned from his paper route. He loved fast cars and boats and attended hundreds of races over the years. He owned more Mustangs and boats than one could count. He was a navigator and had a passion for the water, taking his family on boat trips all over the Great Lakes, and racing sailboats with his buddies on weeknights and weekends, whenever he could. George loved to tinker, make plans, and fix things and could often be found working on projects. He was an avid traveler, always looking for a new escapade or place to explore. Some of his favorite places were Alaska, Brazil, Europe, countless beaches in Mexico and sailing around the Caribbean. Wherever George went, he was sure to walk away having met someone interesting, making a new friend, and having an exceptional story to tell about his journey. His love for Colorado and cherished family ski trips led him to plan and architecturally design his dream vacation home. The build was truly a family collaboration with George at the helm. More than anything else though, he cherished time spent with family, particularly his beloved granddaughters, which he traveled often and quite far sometimes to see, and who always brought him immense pride and joy.

He was an active member of Gull Harbor Sailing, where he served as President for many years, Ruggles Beach Association, Huron Yacht Club, FOE, and had his own “Breakfast Club.” He also looked forward to meeting with his Ford Retiree lunch group in both Ohio and Florida where he spent many winters.

He is survived by his sons, Todd and Whit Wheelock of Keystone, Colorado; daughter, Wendi (Mike) Pannucci of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan; granddaughters, Olivia and Roxi; brother-in-law Gene (Polly) Todd of Vermilion; and his companion, Carol Shaffoe of Milan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Kay Wheelock (nee Todd) in 2013; and his parents, George L. and Neva Wheelock (nee Stuart).

Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Cancer Services, 505 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 or Mercy Health New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.