Obituary of Raymond Gerald Wheeler

Raymond G. Wheeler, age 86, of Cambridge, WI passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. Raymond was born on April 11, 1927 to Denzel and Leora (Krause) Wheeler in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. He attended Fort Atkinson High School and, lying about his age, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944. He spent time in Guam, among other locals, and was on his way to the Philippines on the USS Wisconsin when the war ended. Thereafter, Ray attended the University of Wisconsin, but then graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he found his niche. On August 18, 1951 Raymond married Marjorie Melster of Cambridge, who preceded him in death in September of 1999. He had a genuine respect and admiration of both Harvey Melster and his father-in-law Arthur Melster. However, Raymond and Marjorie spent about a year or so in Kentucky pursuing his Mechanical engineering career. Homesickness affected them both and they returned back to Cambridge expecting their first child. Ray reluctantly took a sales position with Melster Candies and after many nights on the road away from his family, eventually became President of the company. Although he was the quintessential traveling salesman, he always found time to spend quality time with his family .While in Cambridge throughout his life; Ray was Secretary of the Cambridge Foundation for over two decades (before word processing). Ray enjoyed fishing in Canada, Alaska, Florida and of course Lake Ripley. He also enjoyed golf, boating, card playing, cruises, bird watching and animals, often going hunting without a gun. Ray married Anna Oyler on August 10, 2012 and they enjoyed life together so much. Ray is survived by his wife Anna, son Steven (Maurine Jones) of Tallahassee, Florida, Daughter, Katherine (Thomas) Hensel of Cambridge, Grandchildren, Matthew and Jessica Wheeler, Andrew and Matthew (Emily Ace) Hensel , Brother Eugene (Virginia) Wheeler of Fort Atkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sandra. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 11:00 am at Nitardy Funeral Home, 208 N. Park Street, Cambridge, WI. Friends may call on Wednesday from 10AM until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to the Cambridge Foundation.