The Life of JAMES WALTER WHEELER
James “Jim” Walter Wheeler, 86, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Altoona Health Care Center in Altoona, Iowa.
Jim was born November 21, 1929 in Prole, Iowa to James “Jay” Wilbur Wheeler and Anna May (Houghtaling) Wheeler. He married Mildred Olive Books on February 6, 1949 and they enjoyed 50 years and two months together before her death on April 22, 1999. Jim was a dairy worker for 42 years. He was employed with Meadow Gold Dairy (5 years), Northland Dairy (10 years), and Anderson Erickson Dairy (26 ½ years). He served as Marshall of Home Masonic Lodge #370 where he was a 54 year member, Police Unit of Za-Ga-Zig Shriners where he was a 50 year member, Past Chief of Provost Guard #4, Knights Templar, Past President of High Twelve Club, and Scottish Rite Consistory.
He is survived by two children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie; daughter, Ruth Ann Wheeler-Knapp and friend, Winnie.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2016, with Masonic service following at 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 22, also at Hamilton’s. Burial will occur at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, Masonic Section, following the funeral. A reception will be held at Home Masonic Lodge, 5201 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill, after the interment.
Jim was born November 21, 1929 in Prole, Iowa to James “Jay” Wilbur Wheeler and Anna May (Houghtaling) Wheeler. He married Mildred Olive Books on February 6, 1949 and they enjoyed 50 years and two months together before her death on April 22, 1999. Jim was a dairy worker for 42 years. He was employed with Meadow Gold Dairy (5 years), Northland Dairy (10 years), and Anderson Erickson Dairy (26 ½ years). He served as Marshall of Home Masonic Lodge #370 where he was a 54 year member, Police Unit of Za-Ga-Zig Shriners where he was a 50 year member, Past Chief of Provost Guard #4, Knights Templar, Past President of High Twelve Club, and Scottish Rite Consistory.
He is survived by two children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie; daughter, Ruth Ann Wheeler-Knapp and friend, Winnie.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2016, with Masonic service following at 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 22, also at Hamilton’s. Burial will occur at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, Masonic Section, following the funeral. A reception will be held at Home Masonic Lodge, 5201 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill, after the interment.