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Marcia Wheeler
Marcia Lynn Wheeler, 73, of Ludington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, after a courageous four-year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She was a living miracle—mostly symptom-free throughout her illness and an inspiration to all who knew her, demonstrating how to live with joy, compassion, love, and unwavering faith in Christ.
Early Life
Marcia was born on August 18, 1952, in Anderson, Ind. She was the daughter of Emerson and Joyce Perseghetti of Freeport, Penn. She graduated from Maysville High School and completed her cosmetology license through Muskingum County Vocational School in Ohio.
Marriage and Family
Marcia married her beloved husband, Michael Wheeler, on June 13, 1971. Together they built a life filled with adventure, faith, and family. She is survived by Michael, her devoted companion of 54 years; her two children, Brandon (Kathy) Wheeler and Christina Wheeler (Marc Horvath); and three grandchildren, Annalise (daughter of Christina), and Liz and Jacob (children of Brandon). She is also survived by her sisters Tina (Donn) Laudermilch and Karen (Gary) Hearing, and her brother Doug (Jackie) Perseghetti, as well as sixteen nieces and nephews.
Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, Emerson and Joyce Perseghetti of Freeport, Pennsylvania, and her nephew, Matthew Hearing.
Passions and Interests
Marcia was a woman of many passions. She and Michael traveled extensively, visiting numerous national parks, with Shenandoah and Rocky Mountain National Parks among her favorites. She found joy in exploring nature through hiking, particularly at Ludington State Park, where she would either hike quietly in solitude or with her beloved family by her side.
An accomplished cook, Marcia delighted in trying new foods during family travels, turning each meal into an opportunity to create lasting memories. She had a keen interest in history, particularly Civil War and World War II history, and spent considerable time researching and learning about her Italian heritage and the immigration journey of her ancestors.
Faith and Spiritual Legacy
Marcia’s greatest passion was her faith in Jesus Christ. Her devotion to God was evident in everything she did and inspired all who knew her. She was a dedicated student of the Bible and daily devotions, and her commitment to her church community was unwavering.
Throughout her life, Marcia used her gifts generously: she sang in her church choirs, taught multiple youth groups, and served faithfully in both international and domestic mission work. Her true superpower was her devotion to prayer and her ability to draw others into a deeper relationship with Christ. As a prayer warrior and intercessor, she supported countless individuals, meeting their spiritual and physical needs with selfless love. She had a remarkable gift for sharing Christ’s love with anyone in need, and she supported dozens of people in their faith journeys, helping them find their path closer to God.
Legacy
Marcia taught us all how to truly live—with grace, faith, and love. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, compassion, and devotion will continue to inspire and touch the lives of all those who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives she transformed through her witness and love.
A celebration of life service for Marcia will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ludington, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. A meal and time of fellowship will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Marcia’s memory by spending time in prayer, serving those in need, or deepening your own faith journey. In memoriam donation opportunities are available in Marcia’s name at the following:
COVE (domestic violence support center) – Ludington, MI – https://www.callcove.com/
Friends of Ludington State Park (FLSP) – Ludington, MI – https://
Youth Mission Cornerstone Baptist Church – Ludington, MI – Email how to donate to: office@cbcludington.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services.www.GraceCremations.
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