Gene Earl Wheeland

1923 - 2018

Gene Wheeland
Jan 1, 1923 - Aug 31, 2018
On Friday, August 31, 2018, Gene E. Wheeland, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 95 peacefully in his sleep.
Gene leaves wife behind June (Alberti) Wheeland, four children, David Wheeland, Debbie (JD) Jeans, Jayme (Danny) Gray, Johnny (Andrea) Wheeland, and five grandchildren, Blake, Heather, Carey, Jillian, Katie.
Born in Edgar, Nebraska to Earl and Mabel Wheeland, Gene's family relocated to Patterson, California in 1936. He graduated from Patterson High School in 1941 where he excelled at football, basketball, and baseball.
Gene served in the U.S. Army, 302nd Infantry, 94th Division during WWII, where he earned a Purple Heart for his service. Shortly after returning home, Gene started his 35-year career with the U.S. Post Office. In addition to being Assistant Post Master, Gene was also a volunteer fire fighter for 24 years, a Modesto Bee agent for 30 years, and a member of the American Legion.
Gene always had time for sports—playing hardball in a Patterson adult baseball league, he met the love of his life, June, in 1948 at one of his games. The two were married August 12, 1950 and just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
Anyone that knew Gene, knew that nothing was more important than family. But his second love could arguably be the game of golf. Gene was a member of the Turlock Golf and Country Club since 1948—he won the Club Championship seven times and had at least two hole-in-ones on each par 3 hole. Whether it was with his golfing buddies or with his kids, many of his favorite memories were on the golf course.
In addition to the game of golf, his affection for the New York Yankees was passed down to his children, grandchildren, and extended family—a bond that continually brings them together for fun summer days and memorable October nights.
Gene also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tinkering around the house. He was known for making anyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. His witty jokes always brought out laughs, his mind for numbers was extraordinary, and though he was good at just about everything he put his mind to, no one was more humble or respectful than Gene.
For all that he accomplished in his life and all the friendships he cherished, above all else, Gene will be remembered for the way he loved his family. They were the center of his world. Not one sports game would be missed, whether it was watching his grandchildren play or his son coaching high school. Full of joy and amusement, Gene always made the holidays special, from his home-made games to his "silly" presents that were the most cherished gifts of all.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, September 12th at Hillview Funeral Chapel in Patterson. A private Interment will be held at a later date.
Remembrances may be made to the Patterson Fire Department at 344 W. Las Palmas Ave, Patterson, CA 95363.
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