Elaine A. Wheeler

Elaine A. Wheeler, 84, of Beaver Dam passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the Charleston House in Beaver Dam with her family by her side.

Elaine was born the daughter of Carl and Freida (Zemp) Bachofen on November 7, 1934 in Waupun.  She was a 1952 graduate of Beaver Dam High School and a 1956 graduate of UW-La Crosse where she received her B.S. degree in Physical Education.  Elaine was married to Mally Dean Wheeler on October 26, 1957 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam.  Elaine began her teaching career with East DePere, Beaver Dam Junior High and St. Peter’s Catholic School.  She retired from Hustiford High School in 1996 after teaching P.E. for 29 years.

Elaine was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam and the Beaver Dam Senior Center.  She was also a retired member of both WEAC and NEA.  Elaine volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the PALS program, and the Red Cross canteen.  Elaine along with her husband ran the concessions stand at the Dodge County Fairgrounds from 1985 – 1996.  In her spare time, Elaine enjoyed playing cards, reading and traveling.

Elaine is survived by her children: Linda (Casey) Carney of Beaver Dam, Dan (Becky) Wheeler of Beaver Dam, Steve (Lisa) Wheeler of Verona, and Mike (Daun) Wheeler of Madison;  eight grandchildren: Mark (Sheri) Schmidt, Danielle (Shawn) Morrissey, Ben (Nicki) Wheeler, Jacqui (Scott) Orlebeke, Kevin (Serena) Braaksma, Cassie Wheeler, Nathan (Allison) Braaksma, and Nicole Wheeler; one step-grandson, Casey (Deanna) Carney; great-grandchildren: Kyle Wood-Wheeler, Derek Morrissey, Brandon Morrissey, Ashton Wheeler, Chayse Wheeler, Carter Schmidt, Hunter Braaksma, Kason Walker, Aubree Zander, and Jackson Braaksma; step-great grandchildren: Baileigh Carney, Emily Carney, Angelina Carney, Caselynn Carney, and Mallory Hagan; sister, Lill (Jerry) Ptaschinski of Beaver Dam; sister-in-law, Kaye Janisch of Beaver Dam; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dean in 2004; and her brother, Werner (Ruth) Schmid.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, and also on Saturday, January 12 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at the church with Rev. Mike Erwin officiating.  Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

 

Memorials may be directed to the St. Katharine Drexel – Building from our Beliefs Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

The Wheeler family would like to thank the Charleston House Memory Care staff especially Abby for their care and support.

 

Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.