Kenneth LeRoy Wheeler

Kenneth LeRoy Wheeler of Plymouth, MI, passed away at his home on August 16, 2011. Born in Sciota, Illinois, on February 11, 1920, to Lawrence Oliver and Una May (VanOrder) Wheeler, the Wheelers moved to Fremont, MI, where Ken grew up and attended the Fremont schools, graduating in 1937.

He married Agnes E. Carlson of White Cloud, on October 12, 1946. Together they lived in Detroit, Garden City, and Plymouth, Michigan, with a year in the state of Washington. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Agnes, daughters: Diane (Bertel) Schou of Green Banks, WV, Janice (Geoffrey) Schrock of Plainfield, IL, LeAnna (Bruce) Christenson of Canton, MI, sons; Victor Wheeler of Plymouth, MI and James (Katherine) Wheeler of Sterling Heights, MI. Eleven Grandchildren,; Paul Schou, Victoria Wheeler, Dylan, Kelsi, Kara and Dana Schrock, Ryan, Christina, Catherine, Carl and Julianna Christenson, and Sister Mildred (Arnold) Woodring of Fremont, MI. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harry (Doris) Wheeler, and sister Lora Ann (Hessel) Wever.

Ken was creative and industrious. He built his own Amateur Radio station as a boy and was an Amateur Radio Operator (W8SRX) for many years, making friends around the world. After marriage he designed and built their home in Plymouth, MI.

During WWII Ken served in the U.S. Army from November 18, 1941 to August 21, 1945 stationed primarily in the South Pacific including Australia. He was injured by a bullet in the shoulder, suffered partial hearing loss, and contracted malaria, although he continued serving and was involved in battles in the East Indies, Papuan, Southern Philippines (Lib), Luzon, and New Guinea.

Army qualifications included: Combat Infantryman Badge, and Radio and Code specialist. Decoration & Citations Ken received: Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, American Defense Service Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Silver Battle Star, Bronze Service Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, Six Overseas Service Bars, One Service Stripe. Yes, he was a true American Hero.

Ken received a BSEE Degree from Detroit Institute of Technology and a Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University. He taught Engineering classes at Detroit Institute of Technology and Wayne State University. Next Ken did top secret work for the U.S. Government at Burroughs Corp. (now Unisys), then worked at Chrysler on the Missile that carried the first U.S. man into space. His work included the Jupiter C and Mercury Projects, including the Redstone rocket. Working for Boeing took him and his family to Seattle for a year in the early 60's. Later, he worked with a committee to set engineering standards for U.S. Government. Ken was very proud of helping to start Washtenaw Community College by setting up the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Department in 1965. He wrote the first "purpose" statement for the college, and developed the first class catalog. Ken headed the Electrical Department, along with teaching and counseling students, until his retirement. Even long after retirement, students and staff would contact Ken for advice and help, and never turned down their requests.

He loved to teach, work on cars or electrical equipment, and enjoyed talking to people and telling jokes. Each summer Ken and his family traveled and camped through all of the U.S. continental states and providence Southern Canada.

Ken was an Eagle Boy Scout and remained in Scouting until his death, a total of 79 years. He was a role model for the Scout Oath and Law. From being a scout, to a troop Leader, to being a District Commissioner he enriched the lives of many boys and their families. Always encouraging boys to participate any way they could. One of Ken's quotes was; "If a young man has one good experience or learned one life skill through scouting, then the program has been a success."

Ken worked with the Goodfellows, was Volunteer of the Year in Plymouth, and was an active member of the 41st Infantry Division Association, holding various officer positions.

Visitation at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main St., Plymouth, MI 48170, Friday from 4-8PM.  Funeral Service at the Plymouth First United Methodist Church, 45201 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170, Saturday 2 PM.  Friends may visit at church beginning at 1 PM. Interment services will take place on Monday, August 22, 2011, at 2:30pm from  Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Boy Scouts of America, Sunset District, Great Lakes Council, 1776 W Warren Ave., Detroit, MI, 48208.