Leigh Wheeler

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14 and from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, January 15 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Wednesday, January 15 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

Spring interment

Leigh E. Wheeler, 87, of Chippewa Falls, Village of Lake Hallie, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Rutledge Home in Chippewa Falls while under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

He was born July 16, 1926 in Rock Falls to Edna (Cripe) and Harry Wheeler. He was raised in Rock Falls and attended school in Chippewa Falls. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served honorably from 1944 - 1946.

Leigh married Donna Burt on October 20, 1951 in Bloomer. Leigh farmed beef cattle and worked with his brother, Ken in his electrical shop. He then worked for the Soo Line Railroad for over 26 years, then worked for Leinenkugel's as a labeler for ten years until his stroke at age 60.

Leigh loved being outdoors, where he enjoyed deer hunting, gardening and feeding the wildlife.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Chippewa Falls; daughter, Melanie (Dennis) Popple of Jim Falls; sons, Mark (Deb) of Oakdale, MN, Brian (Sue) of Menomonie; sister, Gloria Hempelman of Eau Claire; brother, Ken (Marion) Wheeler of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Scott (Sabine) Wheeler, Justin and Michael Wheeler, Carl and Megan Popple; great-grandson, Brian Wheeler; sisters-in-law, Evie Wheeler of Eau Claire, Donna Burt of Dallas, TX, Bea Wheeler of Chetek; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Allen Wheeler; granddaughter, Cheri Wheeler; brothers-in-law, Dale Wheeler, Harry and Oliver Burt, and Dave Hempelman.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 15 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Spring interment with military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will be at Prairie View Cemetery, Village of Lake Hallie.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral chapel. During the visitation Tuesday evening, the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will have a military walk through at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for Leigh E. Wheeler, 87, of Chippewa Falls was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 15 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Pastor Ralph Bruxvoort officiated and music was provided by Leigh's nieces, organist, Becky Scheidler and vocalist, Vikki Jensen. Grandson, Carl Popple shared personal reflections.

Casket bearers were sons, Mark and Brian Wheeler; daughter, Melanie Popple; grandsons, Carl Popple, Scott, Justin and Michael Wheeler and honorary casket bearers were granddaughter, Megan Popple and great-grandson, Brian Wheeler.

Interment with military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will take place this spring at Prairie View Cemetery, Village of Lake Hallie.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.