Howard B. Wheeler, Sr.

Howard B. Wheeler, Sr., 69, longtime area resident, died Wednesday, July 17, 2019, near his home in Gordon, WI. He was born in Austin, MN, July 29, 1949, the son of Frank L. and Dorothea (Dustin) Wheeler. Howard graduated high school and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army as a combat medic in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He was a decorated veteran and was the recipient of a purple heart, two bronze stars, one of which was of valor, the Army commendation medal and the defense service medal. He later worked at the Burlington Northern Railroad for many years before his retirement. Howard was a member of the VFW and enjoyed traveling. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved gardening, cross country skiing and anything to do with the outdoors. He is survived by his daughters, Wendy (Tom) Pertzborn, and Jill Wheeler: son, Howard Wheeler; grandchildren, Dorothea, Keigan, Trenton, Gavin, Maddox, Saylee and Drayson; great-granddaughter, Evelyn; brothers, Donald E. and Frank L. (Kathy) Wheeler; sisters, Judi Tallberg, Gayle Smith, Janette (Tom) Cline, and Lori (Bill) Clickner; his former wife of forty-one years, Debra Wheeler; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard, Kenneth. and Terry Wheeler; and sister, Virginia Sass. Interment will take place at 1:00 PM, Friday, August 23, 2019 in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI, where Military Honors will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service, location to be decided, and all family and friends are welcome. The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.