News Summary
The community of Novi mourns the loss of two beloved residents, Edward Carl Hanpeter, aged 94, and 31-year-old David Alexander Wheat. Hanpeter’s legacy includes a long life filled with academic achievements and family values, while Wheat’s adventurous spirit and deep family connections left a lasting impact despite his brief time. Both individuals are remembered fondly by their loved ones, and their contributions to the community will not be forgotten.
Novi, Michigan – Two residents of Novi, Edward Carl Hanpeter and David Alexander Wheat, have recently passed away, leaving a significant impact on their communities and families.
Edward Carl Hanpeter died on July 25, 2025, at the age of 94. He lived a long and accomplished life, having been born on September 12, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri. Hanpeter graduated from Cornell University and later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He is survived by his wife, Joan, four children, seven grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a brother. He had previously been predeceased by two brothers and two sisters. The full obituary can be found online, and it was published in local newspapers on July 30, 2025.
In contrast, David Alexander Wheat passed away at the young age of 31 on November 13, 2024. A resident of Novi, but previously from Ferndale, he was the son of Michael and Anita Wheat. He leaves behind his beloved siblings—Michael, Meaghan, and Lauren—as well as a loyal yellow lab named Charlotte. Wheat was also preceded in death by his grandparents. He was a proud graduate of Novi High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He held licenses as a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Analyst and had worked in various public accounting firms throughout his career.
David Wheat was known for his adventurous spirit and enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, biking, and boating at Sugar Springs, a popular locale ‘Up North.’ He was also an avid participant in sports activities and enjoyed spending time playing Pokémon Go with family. His love for reading was reflected in his fondness for the book “The Warmth of Other Suns,” authored by Isabel Wilkerson. David completed the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon and cherished memorable moments with his family, including a hiking trip to the Brooklyn Bridge the previous summer. With a quick wit and a caring nature, he was well-respected by his peers, and, fondly remembered for his affectionate hugs.
A visitation for David Wheat will take place on Tuesday, November 19, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia, Michigan. An in-state visitation is planned for Wednesday, November 20, at St. James Catholic Church in Novi, starting at 10:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am. Wheat will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Memorial Park.
Edward Hanpeter lived a rich life characterized by academic success and family values, while David Wheat’s life, although tragically short, was punctuated by strong family ties and a passion for sports and the outdoors. Both individuals are mourned by their loved ones, leaving behind memories that will remain etched in the hearts of their families and the Novi community.
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Additional Resources
- Edward Carl Hanpeter Obituary
- David Alexander Wheat Obituary
- James Clark Rimbold Obituary
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- Doug Patton Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
