Man's funny obituary brings laughs to strangers, comfort to family

WEARE, N.H. -A man from Weare is getting attention from across the country because of what family members said about him after he died.

The obituary in tribute of Charles Wheeler is full of humor and love.

"Charles 'Charlie' Wheeler, 60, of Weare, kicked the bucket, bought the farm and ate his last pretzel on Nov. 16, 2014," the obituary begins.

It continues, "Married for 32 years to Annie Pleatsikas, he is also survived by what he always deemed his two finest accomplishments; his daughter Meredith, 22 of Weare, and his son Evan, 26 of Fairfax, VA., by his brother Jon of Milford, and nephew Jonathan Wheeler and his wife Amber of Manchester. Born in Manchester, he was the son of the late Charles R. & Barbara (Clark) Wheeler. Raised and educated in Manchester, he was a graduate of Memorial High School, Class of 1972, and a graduate of Manchester Community College; HVAC, second in his class (he always reminded anyone of that)."

Click to read Charles Wheeler's full obituary (follow link, scroll down and click 'Obituary').

"We did it because we thought it was so appropriate to do something funny and humorous and to paint a picture of him," said his wife, Annie Pleatsikas.

The obituary is more like a story about a man who loved his two children, his dogs and the Three Stooges.

"He had a beautiful smile," Pleatsikas said. "He was just hilarious.

She said they met at The Yard restaurant in Manchester more than 32 years ago. She said she treasures that day, but she also pokes fun at her husband's fashion, or lack thereof.

"He was a slob," she said. "He had no fashion sense. When I would ask him to change his shirt, he would get so mad."

Wheeler passed away last week, but he left many memories behind. Since then, his obituary has been making waves all over town, even at memorial services this week.

"People say they were laughing, crying, laughing and then crying more," said his daughter, Meredith Wheeler. "I think that's a better way to read an obit than crying the whole time."

She said the obituary has now gone viral, with people across the country sharing their thoughts and saying it's one of the most uplifting obituaries they have ever seen.

"It's kind of cool to see that happen to something we never thought would get any attention," she said.

Comments posted about the obituary say it's something "we should all hope for, a fantastic send-off after a full, loving life."

"I never, ever thought it would be like this, never," Pleatsikas said.

Through the attention, Pleatsikas said she and her children are finding comfort in knowing others are learning about the man they loved the most.

"I think in the coming days, it's going to bring us more comfort," she said. "They will always remember this."

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