“His Life’s Journey”Words and music by Sally Svenson
with Mrs. Hartman’s 4th Grade Class
©2018 Sally Svenson
Chorus:
Life is a journey, come on along
Please travel with me, in this song
You’ll meet a man; he’ll be your friend
His life’s journey, a grand plan
He was born in fifty-three
Within his family, were his mom and dad and two siblings
Most of his growing up years
He has lived here; it’s his home, he holds it dear
When in seventh grade
A group of bullies lay in wait
To beat him daily, ‘twas a fearful fate
Lots of the details are blurry now
He overcame somehow
With his parents help and an unseen power
Chorus
He’s done many things in his day
Cut wood, fed cows hay; pumped gas and earned a sheriff’s pay
By helping others he hopes to
Live by the golden rule; it’s always been his measuring tool
Danger has knocked on his door
Survived a crash in a helicopter
He’s learned there so much to be thankful for
Protected from shots by those who didn’t do right
Reminds him what is said by his wife
That someone watches over him day and night
Chorus
Rick Wheeler was born on December 18, 1953 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. His family lived in Custer, but moved to Edgemont when he was young, because his father was a uranium miner. The family then moved to Winner, SD and later back to Custer in the 1960’s. When Rick was young, he wanted to be a Game Warden, because he liked animals and being outdoors.
Things were different when Rick was in school. He didn’t have computers or cellphones. Junior High was very hard for him, because several boys bullied him. They would chase him down after school and beat him up. It got so bad that he struggled to concentrate on his schoolwork and his parents even looked for a different school to send him to. He ended up doing the 7th grade twice because of this. Rick still remembers what this was like. He told us how important it is to get help and say something if you experience or witness bullying.
Rick went on to attend Custer High School. He went out for track, football, and wrestling, and especially liked shop class. As part of a school district program, he was able to work at a local gas station in the afternoons during his Junior and Senior year. He even managed the gas station the year he graduated.
On October 30, 1976, Rick married the love of his life, Wanda. While working for the US Forest Service Helitack in 1977, on Wanda’s birthday, he and two others were flying in a helicopter looking for a wildfire. The helicopter engine blew up and they crashed near Custer. Rick remembers talking to God and thinking, “This is it”. When they hit the ground, he remembers being amazed that he was still alive. He broke is back and others had serious injuries, but no one was killed.
Rick and Wanda have one daughter, Jenny, and one son, Austin who both live in Custer and all work together with the family businesses. Jenny and her husband, Jody, have three children – Landon, Hailey, and Myles, and Austin and his wife, Danielle, have two boys – Brooks and Matthias. Rick is grateful that all of his kids and grandkids live here and enjoys spending time with them and being involved in their activities.
Rick has had many jobs, including logging, working for the US Forest Service Helitack, owning his own businesses, serving in law enforcement as a deputy and being Custer County’s Sheriff for three terms. Rick says he decided to run for sheriff, because he wanted to contribute to his community and help people.
Nowadays Rick enjoys spending time outdoors cutting firewood, working his cattle and buffalo herds, and operating French Creek Supply and the car wash. Rick says the best part of his life is having his health, his family, and reflecting on “an awesome journey”. A person he has looked up to most is his wife, Wanda, who has always felt that someone was watching out for him. Rick is also a fan of John Wayne and is inspired by people who are a friend – someone who is honest and straightforward and doesn’t brag about themselves.
His advice for us is to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. Look at people when you are talking to them. Sometimes we need to put our electronic devices away and just be who we are. Help others. Don’t pass by someone who might need help. Be compassionate. Get involved. Thank you, Rick, for sharing your life with us!