River Valley Community Bancorp and River Valley Community Bank Mourn the Passing of Founding Director Michael C. Wheeler
River Valley Community Bancorp (RVCB) announced the unexpected passing of founding and sitting director Michael C. “Mike” Wheeler, who died peacefully on August 29, 2026, at age 76.
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River Valley Community Bancorp (RVCB) announced the unexpected passing of founding and sitting director Michael C. “Mike” Wheeler, who died peacefully on August 29, 2026, at age 76.
Wheeler was a founding member of River Valley Community Bank in 2006 and served on its board continuously, drawing on decades of prior community banking experience. The company highlights his business judgment, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the Yuba-Sutter community, as well as his long service in his family’s automobile business and youth sports. The Bank extends condolences and notes that memorial contributions may be made to the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
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Yuba City community leader, longtime bank director, businessman, and friend remembered for his counsel, service, and lasting contributions
YUBA CITY, Calif., Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- River Valley Community Bancorp (OTC Markets: RVCB), parent company of River Valley Community Bank (collectively referred to as the “Bank”), today announced with deep sadness the unexpected passing of founding and sitting director Michael C. “Mike” Wheeler, who passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by family. Mr. Wheeler was 76.
Mr. Wheeler was a founding member of River Valley Community Bank in 2006 and served continuously on the Board of Directors until his passing. His business judgment, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the Yuba-Sutter community helped shape the Bank’s formation, growth, and enduring focus on relationship-based community banking.
“Mike was more than a founding director of River Valley Community Bank — he was a trusted advisor, a wise counselor, and friend,” said John M. Jelavich, President and Chief Executive Officer of River Valley Community Bank. “His perspective was always thoughtful and grounded in what was best for our customers, shareholders, employees, and community. We are deeply grateful for his many years of service, and he will be greatly missed by all of us.”
“Mike’s contributions to River Valley Community Bank began at its founding and continued through years of thoughtful board service,” said Steve Danna, Board Chair of River Valley Community Bank. “He brought sound judgment and a deep understanding of our community to every discussion. We valued his counsel, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to the Bank’s mission. His presence will be deeply missed.”
Mr. Wheeler’s service to community banking began decades before River Valley Community Bank was founded. In 1975, he was a founding member of California Independent Bancorp and Feather River State Bank, serving on the boards of both organizations through 2004 and as Chairman of Feather River State Bank from 1988 to 1993. His experience as a local business owner, community banker, and civic leader brought invaluable perspective to River Valley Community Bank’s boardroom.
Beyond his service to the Bank, Mr. Wheeler was widely respected as a longtime Yuba-Sutter business and community leader. After earning his B.A. in Economics and MBA from Stanford University, he returned to Yuba City in 1973 and dedicated more than five decades to the family automobile business, serving as General Manager, President, and Chief Executive Officer. He was also an active supporter of local youth sports, including decades of leadership, coaching, and sponsorship that helped strengthen soccer programs and facilities throughout the community.
River Valley Community Bank extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wheeler’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know him. His legacy of integrity, generosity, service, and friendship will remain an important part of the Bank’s history and the community he served so faithfully.
At the family’s request, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wheeler’s memory to the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a cause that held special meaning for him in honor of his father.
About River Valley Community Bank
River Valley Community Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank headquartered in Yuba City, California, serving businesses, professionals, nonprofit organizations, and individuals throughout the communities it serves.
The Bank remains highly rated with BauerFinancial, and Depositaccounts.com and serves its customer base through its offices located at:
- 1629 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City, CA
- 580 Brunswick Rd, Grass Valley, CA
- 905 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA
- 904 B Street, Marysville, CA
- 401 Ryland Street, Ste. 300, Reno, NV (Loan Production Office)
- 2901 Douglas Blvd., Ste. 140, Roseville, CA
The Bank offers a full suite of competitive products, services, and banking technology. For more information please visit our website at www.myrvcb.com or contact John M. Jelavich at (530) 821-2469.
Forward Looking Statements: This document may contain comments and information that constitute forward‐looking statements. Forward‐looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. These statements may use forward-looking terms, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “probable,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “possible,” or their negatives or other variations on these terms, and include statements related to, among others, growth in earnings, balance sheet growth through organic funding and plans to pay cash dividends at historical rates. Forward‐looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Bank does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward‐looking statements are made.
FAQ
How long did Michael C. Wheeler serve with River Valley Community Bank?
Michael C. Wheeler was a founding member of River Valley Community Bank in 2006 and served continuously on the Board of Directors from its founding until his passing in 2026.
What prior banking roles did Michael C. Wheeler hold before River Valley Community Bank?
His service to community banking began in 1975 as a founding member of California Independent Bancorp and Feather River State Bank. He served on the boards of both organizations through 2004 and was Chairman of Feather River State Bank from 1988 to 1993.
In what ways was Michael C. Wheeler involved in the Yuba-Sutter community beyond banking?
After returning to Yuba City in 1973, Wheeler spent more than five decades in his family’s automobile business, serving as General Manager, President, and Chief Executive Officer. He was also an active supporter of local youth sports, providing leadership, coaching, and sponsorship that supported soccer programs and facilities throughout the community.
How can people honor Michael C. Wheeler’s memory through memorial contributions?
At the family’s request, memorial contributions in Michael C. Wheeler’s memory may be made to the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a cause that held special meaning for him in honor of his father.