News Summary
The Novi community is in mourning following the deaths of Edward Carl Hanpeter, 94, and David Alexander Wheat, 31. Both men made significant impacts in their families and community. Hanpeter, a lawyer, was remembered for his dedication to public service and family, while Wheat was celebrated for his vibrant personality and love for outdoor activities. Their deaths have left a profound void in the hearts of many.
Novi, Michigan – The community of Novi is coming together to mourn the recent losses of two cherished residents, Edward Carl Hanpeter and David Alexander Wheat, both of whom left a lasting impact on their families and community.
Edward Carl Hanpeter passed away at the age of 94 on July 25, 2025. Having been born on September 12, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, Hanpeter led a rich life filled with devotion to family, intellectual accomplishments, and community service. A graduate of Cornell University, he later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He is survived by his wife, Joan, as well as four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He also had one surviving brother and was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters. The local community is mourning his loss and reflecting on his contributions to both family and public service, as detailed in his full obituary.
In contrast, David Alexander Wheat, a vibrant young man aged 31, passed away on November 13, 2024. Until recently, Wheat had been living in Ferndale, Michigan. Born to Michael and Anita Wheat (nee Brown), David was a beloved brother to Michael (Scarlett) Wheat, Meaghan (Clay) Wheat, and Lauren Wheat. He graduated from Novi High School in 2010 after attending Village Oaks schools. He continued his education by obtaining a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, followed by certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
David was known for his passion for outdoor activities, including camping and hiking with friends at Sunset Point on Belle Isle. Other leisure activities he enjoyed included swimming, biking, and boating at Sugar Springs. He also had a strong affinity for leisure pursuits such as playing Pokémon Go, watching sports—specifically cheerleading for the Detroit Lions—and indulging in reading, with “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson among his favorites. David completed the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon and took special pride in a memorable trip to New York City with his parents, which included an exciting hike across the Brooklyn Bridge.
As a proud homeowner, David delighted in the independence that came with it. His personality was characterized by quick wit, a clever demeanor, and a loving nature, making him a cherished family member known for his support and pride in his siblings and parents. The local community is grieving for David, whose recent death has left a void for many.
Visitation for David Wheat is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Home in Livonia, Michigan. An in-state visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20, at St. James Catholic Church in Novi, beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Memorial Park.
The losses of both Edward Carl Hanpeter and David Alexander Wheat have deeply affected the Novi community, highlighting the importance of family, education, and service. Their memories will likely continue to inspire those who knew them in both personal and professional contexts.
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Additional Resources
- Edward Carl Hanpeter Obituary
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- David Alexander Wheat Obituary
- Google Search: David Alexander Wheat
- Kay Seelye Obituary
- Google Scholar: Edward Carl Hanpeter
- Madison Davis Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi, Michigan
- James Clark Rimbold Obituary
- Google News: Novi Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
