Edwin S Wheeler

Ed was born in Keene, NH in November, 1919, the youngest son of Lena and Kirke Wheeler. He grew up on N. Lincoln Street and graduated from Keene High School in 1937. In the fall of 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS San Juan from 1941 – 1945, notably seeing action at Guadalcanal, the Battle of Santa Cruz, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The San Juan was one of the first US Navy ships to enter Tokyo Bay at the end of the war, liberating many POW's, and was one of the ships present at the signing of the surrender.

Ed met his wife of 67 years, Patricia, as a young sailor at a USO dance in 1941 in Toledo, Ohio. They were married in 1944. After the war, Ed and Pat moved back to Keene, NH to resume his career with the National Grange Mutual Insurance Company, retiring in 1982. They also lived in Rutland, VT, Marlborough, NH, Concord, NH, and recently in Boscawen, NH.

Ed was an active community citizen involved with the Lions Club, Keene YMCA, and as a Marlborough Town Selectman. He served on several committees as a church member at the United Church of Christ in Keene, NH. Ed and Pat enjoyed a long and happy retirement together. They travelled extensively throughout the west and Canada, with an anniversary trip to Europe. They enjoyed their time and many friends in Marlborough and wintered in Bisbee, AZ for several years.

Ed was an avid painter, kept a large garden, and enjoyed playing golf and tennis, skiing, and sailing with Pat on Granite Lake. Ed lost Pat in 2011. Survivors include his three children and their spouses – Diana (Rick) Wormwood of Rutland, VT, Dr. Kirke (Michelle) Wheeler of Hopkinton, NH, and Sarah (Scott) Sticha of Hereford, AZ. Four grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive him.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the United Church of Christ in Keene at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, NH 03431, Merrimack County Nursing Home, 325 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH 03303, or a charity of choice.