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Wayne Wheeler
Wayne Basil Wheeler, 97, known by many locally as “Papa Wayne,” died Saturday, October 10, 2026. He was born on July 19, 1929, the youngest of 11 children born to Leonard Wheeler and Ethel Zoe Stringham.
Wayne grew up with little, learning early the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance. He left high school to help support himself and his family, lessons that remained with him throughout his life.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked in the medical field at Army hospitals in the United States and, during the Korean War, served as a combat medic, providing care and comfort to fellow service members in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
On July 24, 1950, Wayne married Elizabeth Maxine Smith. Together they were blessed with five sons. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, never hesitating to take on extra work when it was needed.
While his sons were growing up, Wayne gave generously of his time to his community. He coached little league, served as a Cub Scout master, and was an adult committee member for the Boy Scouts of America. He also volunteered with Civil Defense and was deputized as a volunteer deputy sheriff, reflecting his lifelong commitment to serving and protecting others.
Wayne was a resourceful and hardworking provider. While working at a local factory, he collected cardboard for recycling and picked fruit in the fall. He later hauled soiled laundry for North Ottawa Community Hospital, work that eventually developed into a moving business. He also served as an EMT and aide at North Ottawa Community Hospital.
After moving to the Myrtle Beach, Fla. area in 1982, Wayne continued working as a security guard and journeyman plumber. When he returned to Michigan in 2003, he lived with his son “Skip,” the Rev. Wayne Basil Wheeler Jr. He continued to help with mowing and groundskeeping until a heart-valve transplant required him to use a walker.
Wayne was active in the Knights of Columbus, serving in many roles, including Grand Knight of Third Degree councils in Grand Haven and Surfside Beach, South Carolina. He also served as Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree. A proud member of Disabled American Veterans, he eventually became a district director for the organization in South Carolina.
He was always ready to lend a hand, whether shoveling snow for the parish in winter or baking cakes to thank the credit union tellers and the mechanic who cared for his vehicles. In his later years, he continued to support charitable causes. When donation requests came with small gifts, he often passed those gifts on to someone who would appreciate them, sometimes adding money he had saved to benefit the West Shore Family Support Center.
Wayne will be remembered by many as a kind, generous man with a good sense of humor, a steadfast work ethic, and a deep love for his family and community.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his sons, Delbert Isaac and Michael Jerome; his parents; and all of his siblings.
He is survived by his sons, the Rev. Wayne Basil Wheeler Jr., Jude Matthias, and Anthony Quinten; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who loved and affirmed Wayne throughout his life, especially the parishioners and staff of St. Simon Catholic Church; Cheri Leets of Papa’s Place; the staff of Elara Caring Hospice; and Kirk and Courtney Barz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Tuesday, October 20, at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington. A vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 19, at St. Simon Catholic Church, following visitation from 4 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers or food, the family requests that donations be made in Wayne’s memory to the charity of your choice. The family recommends the educational foundation of the nearest Catholic school, Hearts for Haiti at St. Simon Catholic Church, or local agencies serving the Ludington community.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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