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Walter Wheeler Obituary
1925 - 2017
KITTERY - Walter Wheeler Sr., 91, of Rogers Road, Kittery, died at his home surrounded by loved ones, Feb. 14, 2017.
Born in Manchester on Nov. 13, 1925, he was the son of the late Leo J. And Sadie M. (Cottle) Wheeler. He attended schools in Lewiston before entering the United States Navy and serving in the Asiatic-Pacific, American area, and European-African theatres of operation; he took part in the D-Day invasion.
Following his service to his country, he returned to New England where he trained at trade school in Massachusetts and began a career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard working as a machinist.
Walt continued his service as a member of the Maine legislature from 2002-2010, where he was an accessible and strong supporter of his constituents and a strong voice for Maine's outdoorsmen.
He also enjoyed membership in the Masonic Naval Lodge #184 Kittery, Knights of Templar, Royal Arch Chapter and Shriners, Sportsman Alliance of Maine, and the Southern Maine Fish and Game Club.
His first love was unquestionably his family; his loving wife, Gerry J. (Berry) Wheeler; children: James Wheeler and his wife Joyce, of Eliot; Cassie Bullis and her husband Randy, of Espyville, Pa.; Russell Wheeler and his wife Kathy, of Kittery; David Wheeler and his wife Robin, of Eliot; Gary Wheeler and his wife Cheryl, of Augusta; and Jane Beach and her husband Terry, of Eliot; 22 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; his brother, William and his wife Wilma Wheeler, of Kittery; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his children, Brenda Tripp, and Walter Wheeler Jr.; as well as siblings Leo Wheeler Jr., Joe Wheeler, and Eleanor Quinn.
Friends may visit with Walt's family on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Rd., Kittery. A funeral will be celebrated Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at St. Marks United Methodist Church on Government Street in Kittery at noon. Masonic and military honors will be held at his graveside in the spring. Care for the Wheeler family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made by visiting:
www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made in his memory to the
Paralyzed Veterans of America PVA
Donation Processing Center
7 Mill Brook Road
Wilton, NH 03086, or
St. Marks United Methodist Church
62 Government Street
Kittery, ME 03904, or
St. Jude Childrens
Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Wheeler
The Greenlaws
March 5, 2017
Rusty, we only recently learned of your dad's passing. Its always a blessing when someone leaves this earth better than he found it. You must be proud. We're thinking of you.
Terry Wood
February 28, 2017
Goodbye. old friend.
Brian Mellen
February 23, 2017
...Sincerely sorry to hear of your loss Gerry and Family. "RIP Walter"...
Gary
February 20, 2017
Dad I love you so much it wont be the same going north without you thanks for being my best freind and best dad ever love Gary
February 19, 2017
Walt was a great person. He was honest, hard-working and dedicated to helping others. He served the people of Kittery with distinction. He will be well remembered and greatly missed.
Mark Lawrence
Denise Nemeth-Greenleaf
February 19, 2017
Walt was a friend to everyone he encountered. He was always a guiding force while working with the Maine AFL-CIO. I'm grateful to also be a resident of Kittery Point, where Walt has also been influential. His kindness will be missed. My sympathies to his family.
Duncan McEachern
February 18, 2017
Walter was a class act. He cared about and understood people. He was always quick to help anyone who needed his friendship and abilities to get something done or improve their situation. He new how to operate and was an impact player in that regard. His friendship was a prized possession and he gave it away freely regardless of one's background or position. If any of us think of accomplishing things in this life we need only look at the legacy Walter left in so many ways that was always aimed at making life better for others.
Well done Walter !
Annette, Peter and Aidan Cantrell
February 18, 2017
Our deepest sympathies go out to all the Wheller family during this sad time.
raymond parent
February 17, 2017
Tonight I have checked my email only to find that a member of the "greatest Generation" has passed. I have tears in my eyes as I was hoping to see Walter when I met with Mr. Leblanc a few months ago. Walt was instrumental in the creation of the southern Maine veterans memorial cemetery in Springvale Maine. He has been involved since its inception as he was responsible for the introduction of a Bill in Augusta to fund the very first step by appropriating funds for the design of the cemetery. After this process the cemetery became a reality. Walter, has been a force in he continued operation and development of the cemetery for our veterans, from Maine or From any other area in our country. He believed that soldier served and/or died for his country and should be buried anywhere he chooses.
God Bless this man and his family, I mourn for all of you. Ray Parent
Frank and Cathy Belleville
February 17, 2017
Our sincere sympathy to Gerry and the Wheeler families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Tom Bickford
February 17, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the many friends and family of Walt. He was the a true Mainer and supporter of Kittery in the legislature.
February 17, 2017
Gerry and the Wheeler family. Our thoughts are with you. Walt was a wonderful man and I will always remember the wonderful times we had hunting and fishing with him and the family and friends at hunting/fishing camps. I owe Walt (and Gerry) so much for making me feel like family over the years. Will also miss him at UNH/Maine hockey. Bill Russell
Bill Norbert
February 17, 2017
Walt was one of my favorite people on earth and it was such a pleasure serving with him in the Legislature. He was full of smiles and humor and decency. My deepest sympathies to Gary and the entire family.
Allen Carter
February 17, 2017
RIP comrade You will be missed by all. The Kittery/Eliot VFW Post 9394 won't be the same without you.
Mary Shults
February 17, 2017
Dear Gerry, words are never enough at this time, may the Lord comfort you and your family during this time. Walt was a true gentleman and a hero in the truest sense.
Lilia Diego
February 16, 2017
Dear Gerry , I am sorry to hear about Walter passing away . My thoughts and prayers go out to you and family. Lilia Diego
Harold Main
February 16, 2017
To the Wheeler Family,
My sincerest condolences on your loss. Walt was a great man and a natural leader. He will be missed by all.
February 16, 2017
Dear Mrs. Wheeler,
I was shocked to hear of Walt's passing today. My friend, Paul Dachsteiner called me to let me know since I now live in Florida. I worked with Walt at the Metal Trades Council at the Navy Yard. He worked well with everyone and was always ready to help anyone. He was a great asset for all Trade Unions and their members. We met socially at many functions and you were present as well as my wife. I shared some great moments with Walt at Conventions. I will always cherish those special times. My wife and I both extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. May Walt rest in Peace and May God hold him near and also help you cope at this time. God Bless. Rene and Joyce Lemelin, Lecanto, Florida. Formerly from Dover, New Hampshire.
February 16, 2017
To the Wheeler Family: Walt was a rock in our community. Always enjoyed his sage political advice and we should all be grateful to this member of the "Greatest Generation"
Jeff and Corky Thomson
Charlie Abbott
February 16, 2017
Dear Gerry and family,
Joanne and I are greatly saddened by your loss. Walter and I spent years together in the Shop. He was a great machinist and was always willing to help anyone. We, also, spent many hours together at the Shop retirement gatherings as well as other social events. I will miss him.
Deb King
February 16, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Paul "DOC" Dachsteiner
February 16, 2017
My condolence to the family with your loss. I worked with Walt on the job as well as a brother union rep. at PNSY. A better friend I never had. He was an avid Pease Greeter along with me. As A US Navy Vet. myself, I salute you my brother.
Rick Romano
February 16, 2017
Dear Wheeler family,
I am saddened to hear of Walt's passing. My sincerest condolences to the family. He was a great man and will be missed. Prayers for you all.
Lynn Wheeler Antone
February 16, 2017
Sending sincere condolences to my Aunt Gerry and all of my cousins. Uncle Walt was a wonderful man who was so full of life. I will miss listening to him and my father talking about the good old days. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending positive thoughts your way. Love to you all, Lynn, Mike, Kayla and Michael
Deane Rykerson
February 16, 2017
what a great leader of our community and what a great guy. Sad to see Walt go. Best to you Gerry and family.
Chris & Nancy Embry
February 16, 2017
Dear Wheeler family,
Sincere sympathy for your loss. We met Mr. Wheeler 30+ years ago when we moved to Kittery and are proud to have occasionally crossed paths and enjoyed conversation with this kind and generous gentleman. His devotion to his family, his country and this community leave a lasting legacy.
Some people, you just never forget.
Bob
February 16, 2017
Thank you for your service Mr. Wheeler. Rest in Peace.
Andrea Erskine
February 16, 2017
I am so sad to learn of my friend Walt's passing. He was such a caring man who was one of my hero's at the Legislature....always a great listener and learner. I will miss my visits with him. My condolences to the family...you meant the world to him.
Dave LaPointe
February 15, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the Wheeler Family. I was extremely fortunate to grow up across the street from them and my childhood was certainly enriched because of Walt's (and Gerry's)influence on all us neighborhood kids! May the many fond memories you have of your Dad comfort you in the days ahead.
Maggie & George Buzzell
February 15, 2017
Gerry and The Wheeler Family, Our sincerest sympathy to you. Living on Rogers Road for so many years, it was a pleasure to have known you all. Always enjoyed talking Maine Hockey with Walter. We always felt welcomed at your home. Now living in S. Carolina, we were saddened to hear of Walter's passing.
Lois Drukman
February 15, 2017
Uncle Walt, I always enjoyed the family times we shared. You and my father Buster were so close and I always loved to hear the hunting and fishing stories. I was blessed to have you as my uncle, and I will cherish my memories forever.
Love, Lois
Gary Beers
February 15, 2017
A personal message.....
Gerry and all the Wheeler family,
Expressing sadness for the diminished light in your lives and our world, with a prayer that your grief be just the gentlest and your mourning comforted with only warm memories. Walt was an iconic Mainiac and a mainstay contributor in service to our town (as with all the Wheelers). His memory will stand a long time to those who care as he did.
Chairman, Kittery Town Council
February 15, 2017
Dad,I will always cherish all the wonderful memories we shared with family and friends. You will be missed by many.You are the best dad a daughter could ever ask for. I will carry you in my heart forever.Love you always Cassie.
Lee Petrie
February 15, 2017
To Walt's Family,
No question we have lost a great American and citizen with his passing. I so enjoyed the times he would come to my classroom to speak or seeing him at Pease while greeting the troops. His service to our Country and to the Great State of Maine will not be forgotten. Rest easy, my friend.....you did a wonderful job serving your fellow man while here. God Speed Walt
Elaine Yandow
February 15, 2017
Gerry and all the Wheeler family,
I am sad to hear that Walt has completed his earthy life, but know he is with our Lord and free of all suffering. Walt was such a kind and gentle man who left the world a better place for having lived. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. My deepest sympathy.
Mary Beach-Rodriguez
February 15, 2017
Dearest Gerry and Wheeler Family - It was such an honor to know Walt. He was a wonderful, warm man. My family and I give our heartfelt condolences to all of you at this time. You are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless.
Carol Wheeler Klein
February 15, 2017
My heart goes out to my Aunt Gerry, my cousins and the Wheeler family. My Uncle Walter was an amazing man. He's in heaven now with my mom and dad and all who went before.
I hope he is at peace.
Glenys Gardner Gray
February 15, 2017
My dear Gerry and ALL of the Wheeler children and families, I am so very sorry to learn of Walt receiving his Angel Wings. He will live on within each of your hearts and memories of your life shared with him. I am thinking of each of you with much love, and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Beach
February 14, 2017
Dad, I am so blessed that we had you for as long as we did. 91 years, what a wonderful long life. You have been an instrumental piece in my life, my children's life, and all the lives you've touched. Will miss you on earth but your legacy will live on forever. I love you Dad❤
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