Jerry Wheeler, 61

Jerry Wheeler, 61, died May 4, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, due to complications from pneumonia. He was with family.

He was born Aug. 23, 1950, to John and Lorraine Wheeler in Kalispell. He grew up in Kalispell, then Alberton and Missoula, then Evergreen. Jerry attended Elrod, Evergreen, Flathead High and Thompson High Schools.

He became a member of the National Guard, and then enlisted in the Army in 1970. He served in Vietnam, Korea and in Germany, and also was stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Fort Huachuca and Fort Ritchie. 

Jerry worked at Bitney’s in Kalispell in his early years, and also at Grouse Mountain Lodge, after retiring from the Army after 20 years of service and returning to the Flathead.

Jerry was a life member of the VFW Post 276 where he served as quartermaster as well as commander. He was also a member of the Eagles 4081. He served as treasurer for the United Veterans of Flathead Valley. He was a very avid fan of sports with the Griz, Broncos and Braves on top of his list. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor and loved to be around people.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Wheeler; and his stepson, Tony Moen.

Jerry is survived by his mother, Lorraine Wheeler; sister, Linda Elgin; foster sister and her husband, Rita and Bob Lathrop; son, Marty; son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Jennifer Wheeler; stepson, Jason Loveless; nieces, Wendy Glass and Becky Berglund; nephew, James Elgin Jr.; grandchildren, Dawson and Chesney Wheeler; and several nieces and nephews that he loved to be around.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Easthaven Baptist Church in Kalispell, with a reception to follow at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to United Veterans of America.