Forrest W. "Bill" Wheeler, 86, Published Oct. 1, 2008

Wheeler

Forrest W. "Bill" Wheeler, 86 of Reedsburg, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, in his home. He was born on March 13, 1922, in Boscobel, the son of Raymond and Amelia (Bredeson) Wheeler. As a child Bill and his family moved to California where he grew to adulthood. Bill attended junior college until he was drafted into military service. He was a veteran of World War II serving with the Army-Air Corp. Bill was a survivor of the H.T. Rohna and he was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his discharge from the service Bill began a 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. In March 1946 he was married to the former Joy Souther. He later married Maxine Hams-Kirkeng on Nov. 29, 1980. Bill was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Hillpoint V.F.W. Post # 3434 and the Reedsburg Toastmasters. He enjoyed playing in the UW-Baraboo band, volunteering at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center, caning chairs, playing cards, traveling and square dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine; five children, Dawnine Wheeler of Portage, Jeannine (Douglas) Price of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Russell (Wendy) Wheeler of Pardeeville, Karen (Michael) Webster of Dane and Arthur (Mary Kay) Kirkeng of Reedsburg; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia Block.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Pastor David Glesne officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Hillpoint V.F.W. following the service. Interment will be in the Elroy City Cemetery at a later date. There will be a visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Home Health United Hospice would be appreciated.

The Hoof Funeral Home is serving the family.