Ed R. Wheeler

Ed R. Wheeler, age 94, transitioned to his new life on May 5, 2015. Born April 2, 1921, in Minneapolis to Clarence and Marie Wheeler, Ed was a gentle, loving person who lived life to the fullest. He started every morning with a full workout on his Nordic track, right up to six months before his death. People often remarked how difficult it was to keep up to him. Ed enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities. His love of the water and boats drew him to join the Coast Guard during WWII, however, he did not get out to sea but rather patrolled the California coastline on horseback. His childhood sweetheart, Elayne Thompson, joined the service in hopes of staying close to him and they married in May 1944. Together they had 7 children; Terry Nelson, Mikel Wheeler, Mary (Bryan) Beggin, Joe Wheeler, Colette (Kay ), Cathy Wheeler, Lee (Dan) Shelstad. He is grandfather to 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. After Elayne's death in 1969, Ed married Rose (Ceil) and they took up residence in a picturesque cabin in Sandpoint, Idaho. Following Ceil's death and 14 years of marriage, Ed returned to the midwest to be closer to his children. He reconnected with a childhood friend, Betty Jean (Laliberte) Arnold and fell head over heels in love; referring to BJ as "his true north". They were able to travel extensively, almost always driving, and enjoyed hosting and conversing with many friends and relatives at their blissful cabin on the St. Croix River in Gordon, WI for 20 years. He welcomed his new stepsons John(Barb), Stephen and Jim (Chris).

Ed was a dedicated probation officer which taught him the meaning of social justice, something he modeled to his children throughout their lives. He fought for union rights, was a devout Catholic, heavily involved in his church as lector and ministered to shut-ins, hospitalized, youth and those with mental illness. Outdoor sports were his passion. He played tennis; enjoyed bicycling; downhill, cross country and biathlon skiing; and even had been a ski jumper in his college days. Boating was a particular favorite, especially sailing, where he often frightened his passengers with tipping. He canoed, kayaked and had a favorite boat he could pedal. He has built an amazing legacy of love, laughter, family and peace. With Ed's grace and love of music, we know he is cutting the rug and looking down upon all of us with love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, Lake City at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015 with Father Joseph Pete and Father Jim Kinney officiating. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A visitation will be from 3 -5 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2015 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel, Lake City and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to Doctors without Borders or People Inspire Progress Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Visitation

MAY 10. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel
1022 West Lyon Ave P.O. Box 90
Lake City, MN 55041

Visitation

MAY 11. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

St Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church
419 West Lyon Avenue
Lake City, MN 55041

Service

MAY 11. 11:00 AM (CDT)

St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church
419 West Lyon Avenue
Lake City, MN 55041