James A. Wheeler Jr., age 73 of Mauston passed away on Saturday June 2, 2012, at his home, following a short battle with a rare blood disorder. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of New Lisbon, Adjutant of Mauston American Legion Post 81 for 31 years, Masonic Lodge 81, OES Lemonweir Chapter Mauston, PAGG-State of WI IOJD, and a Charter Member of New Lisbon Lions Club for 50 years.
Jim was born March 21, 1939 at Richland Center Hospital. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard 32nd Infantry Bgd in 1956. He graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1957. Jim worked for his father at the Wheeler Brothers Feed Mill, and alter for the New Lisbon Police Dept. and Juneau County Sherriff Dept. His military career of over 41 years included the Berlin Crisis to Reforger, Panama and Korean National Command tours as part of the NCO Corps, the Signal Corps, and the Wisconsin National Guard. Jim did training in Germany with his wife Helen and in Chambersburg, PA in March of 1980. Jim was a member of the Wisconsin Military Academy staff-Camp Williams for 20 years and continued when the Academy moved to Fort McCoy, in Communications to armor personnel. He was a Chief Signal NCO in the State Comsec accounts. He retired as MSG at STARC Headquarters. After retiring from the military, he drove for the Philips Drug Store for 14 years delivering medicine.
Jim was married Feb. 7, 1959 to his high school sweetheart, Helen Walden. They have three children, Debra DeeAnne (Gary) Householder of Cedarburg, WI, Brenda Lee (Mike) Konemann of Waukesha, WI, Margaret Beth (Timothy) Zander of Deerfield, WI, eight grandchildren, Daniel (Shawnna) Householder, Kevin (Nikki) Householder, Jamie and Kyle Householder, Kristina (Michael) Larson, Casey (Shauna) Konemann, Michaela and Ashley Messina. Six great grandchildren- Brady and Ethan Householder, Adelaide and Clara Householder, Logan Elizabeth Konemann, and Lucia Anne Larson, one sister Kathie (Barry) Nelson of La Crosse, WI, nephew Matthew, niece Whitney, great nephew Hunter, and great niece Eliana. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Lin and Nettie Brooks, and by other relatives.
Memorials may be sent in Memory of Jim to the New Lisbon Public Library building project, The New Lisbon United Methodist Church, or Hospice Touch, 321 Butts Ave. Tomah, WI.
Funeral services, Masonic service, and Easter Star service, will be held on Thursday June 7, 2012 at 11:00am at the United Methodist Church in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends may call at the United Methodist Church on Thursday from 9:00am till 11:00am. Military Honors will be conducted at the church following the service. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements.
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