Earl M. Wheeler, 88
Earl Mason Wheeler of Owatonna died December 18, 2020 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. A private family Mass is set for Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral liturgy on Tuesday at the church. The public is invited to the burial at 12:45 pm at Concord Cemetery in Old Concord, MN with Military Honors provided by his friends and fellow members of the Steele County Funeral Unit. You may view a live stream of the Funeral Mass on St. Joseph's Facebook page. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 9:45 am at the church. Earl was born July 20, 1932 in Concord Township, rural Dodge County the son of Lyle and Vera (Mason) Wheeler. Earl attended high school in West Concord and graduated in 1950. After high school Earl worked for his dad in the construction business until he enlisted in the Navy in 1952. While in the Navy Earl spent six months on the Mediterranean Sea and was able to tour ports in Europe. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Wiggins in 1953 in Dodge Center. Phyllis was able to join her new husband while he was stationed in Norfolk, VA until he was honorably discharged in March of 1956. Upon returning from the Navy Earl continued his electrical training and worked for Kriesel Electric, Smith Owatonna Electric and other shops in the area for the next 45 years until his retirement. Earl was a active member of St. Joseph Church, volunteering his time and talents including being a Boy Scout Leader. Earl stated he was never bored. He filled his time with the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the Elk's. He was a member of the Steele County Funeral Detail for over 20 years. At home he was busy making wine and wood carving. In retirement Earl and his wife Phyllis traveled to several countries. He enjoyed an annual ice fishing trip with his five sons was a "Must" each year. Earl leaves behind his wife of 67 years Phyllis, his children Michael (Becky) of Mantorville, MN Patricia (Ritchie) Nyland of Elko/New Market, Paul (Jeanne Kitayama) Haines, AK David (Renee), John (Donna), and Matthew all of Owatonna. 16 Grandchildren and 10 Great-grandchildren. Earl's sister-in-law Sherril Wheeler and brother -in-law James (Sharon) Wiggins. He is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Phillip and two brothers, one sister and one brother-in-law. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Church or the American Cancer Society. |