Timothy “Al” Robert Wheeler Jr.

Ah-la-lim-yah-ta-ka-nin, Timothy “Al” Robert Wheeler Jr., 78, of Lapwai, Idaho passed away March 6, 2025 at Cascadia of Lewiston, of natural causes surrounded by loving family.
Al was a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and a direct descendant of Chief Lookingglass and carried the Indian name of Young Chief Lookigglass who died in the Nez Perce War of 1877.
Al was born January 8, 1947 in Grangeville, Idaho to Delores Lookingglass Wheeler and Timothy Robert Wheeler Sr.

The eldest child of 8, Al grew up with and spent a great deal of time with his Ida (Alat) and Harry (Palaqet) in Kooskia.

Al graduated from Kamiah High School in 1965 with letter awards for all four years in track, baseball, basketball, football with his dad as his coach most of those years.
Al enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. He was stationed in Germany and a combat Veteran serving in Vietnam. Al was honorably discharged in 1969.

Al married Jesusita (Sue) Torres in 1969 at Talmaks. They had three children; Leona, Leanne and Bernadette. They later divorced.

In 1973, Al met Julia Davis and together they had Tana and David Wheeler. With a combination of children Roderick, Derrick and Channa. They separated and later married on December 8, 2000 and made their home in Lapwai.

Al worked most of his life outdoors. He worked for the Nez Perce Tribe Fire management as a firefighter & crew boss, planted tree seedlings, and tubed in his older years. He prided himself in outworking his younger coworkers. Al was elected and served on the Nez Perce Tribe Fish Commision and later the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commision. Al worked until he suffered a stroke.

Al especially loved fishing, hunting, cultural and veteran activities with the Nez Perce Veterans. Al was a member and trustee of the North Fork Indian Presbyterian Church.
Al was a member of the Chief Lookigglass Powwow Committee his entire life.
Al had a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren and all children and was lovingly referred to as “Grandpa Al” by many children. Al had a love for all animals and his beloved dog “Sparkle” will miss him.

Al is survived by his wife Julia, daughters Tana Nunez, Leanne Rae, Kami Wheeler and Channa Henry. Sons, Roderick & Derrick Scott and Arnie & Steve Lampoltshamer, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Al is preceded in death by his mother Delores and father Tim, biological father Barney Lampoltshamer, sisters, Julie Hart, Nancy Wheeler, Angela Broncheau and Della Wheeler, daughters, Leona and Bernadette and son, David Lookigglass Wheeler Sr.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held March 12, 2025 at 1:00PM at Northfork Indian Presbyterian Church in Ahsahka, Idaho. A dinner will follow at the Teeweepuu Community Center in Orofino, Idaho. Judy Oatman is Head Cook.

The family would like to thank Cascadia of Lewiston for their care the last 3 months, the Nez Perce Tribe, Jakienna Hopkins & Leslie Smith at Niimiipuu Health, Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home and the countless people who have helped the family in his final days.