Kenneth-Wheeler-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Schrader-Howell Funeral Home

Kenneth LeRoy Wheeler

Plymouth, Michigan

Feb 11, 1920 – Aug 16, 2011

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BORN
February 11, 1920
DIED
August 16, 2011
LOCATION
Plymouth, Michigan

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Schrader-Howell Funeral Home Obituary

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.

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Great Scouter. Miss his stories.

My heartfelt sympathies to his family. I worked for WCC and shared the area where Ken worked in the Liberal Arts and Science Building. He shared so much with his students and others and was always there early until late. A great individual -- you will be missed.

I was a faculty member at Washtenaw Community College. My wife. Pat and myself send our deepest sympathies to Agnes and the family.

Gary Hentz

Mr. Wheeler was one of my instructors at W.C.C. in the 70's~I took my young son to class one time and Mr. Wheeler gave him a cup of hot chocolate to drink while I was taking an exam. He was a good and kind man.

Yet another WWII hero, distinguished Boy Scout Leader, and Eagle Scout has gone home. On behalf of the Sunset District, Great Lakes Council of the BSA, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Ken's family. All of his scouting friends will truly miss him, his humor and his dedication to the youth of our community.
Rest in Peace Ken with all of our heros!

Don Ray, Sunset District Chairman, BSA

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Ken was a dedicated family man. He instructed his children in honesty and love, as well as lifes lessons. I know this because I hung around with his son Victor who was like his dad, a good person. RIP with the LORD, Ken.

Mr. Wheeler was my instructor at Washtenaw Community College in the 1970's. He was so good and full of life. He really cared about his students. We have lost a great man. May Jesus Christ give his peace and comfort to his family. Samuel Brown