Inez Wheeler

Inez Wheeler passed away on November 16, 2017 with her children by her side. She was born in Whittlesy, WI on October 5, 1919, a year before women got the right to vote. Throughout her long and rich life, Inez exemplified love of family and the importance of having fun together, values that form a strong foundation for generations that follow her. She was a friend to many and an enthusiastic Packer and Badger fan. Inez graduated from Marshfield high school in 1937 where she was the school's only cheerleader. She attended Madison Business School. She married the late Eugene (Gene) Wheeler on January 1, 1942 in Reedsburg, WI. Gene's career with A&P prompted the family to move to Wausau in 1961. Gene passed away unexpectedly in 1963 and Inez became a single mother to her three young children. Inez worked for many years for Wausau Public Schools, serving as the first secretary of Riverview elementary school and then working in the district office. She was a Girl Scout leader, a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star. She was an officer for many years of Back Your Jacks. She loved sports and was the number one fan of her children's teams and of many Wausau East teams. She was a member of the Methodist church and later the Universalist Unitarian church. Inez was preceded in death by her husband; parents Albert and Marie Lindow; siblings Leroy Lindow and Florine Milbrath, and many dear friends. Survivors include her daughter Barbara Peterson of San Diego, CA; son Richard Wheeler (Lisa Reavill) of Bloomington, MN and son Thom Wheeler (Joan Kwako) of Duluth, MN; granddaughters, Paula Peterson Serbus (Jason) of Falls Church, VA; Kendra Peterson Deja (Jeff) of San Diego, CA; Paige Wheeler (Charlie Smith) of Minneapolis MN; Lindsey Wheeler Lee (Nicholas) of Minneapolis, MN; and Stella Inez Wheeler of Duluth, MN; and great grandsons Garrett Serbus, Louis Deja and Sam Deja. She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews and many great friends. A Celebration of Life is planned for Memorial Day Weekend 2018. Memorials may be directed to the Gardens, c/o Homme Home Foundation, 604 South Webb St., Wittenberg, WI 54599. Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center - Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com Inez's family thanks the staff and friends at the Gardens, her home for the past five years, and the caregivers from Aspirus Hospice for their loving care of Inez to her last day.