Bruce Newell Wheeler

It is an incredibly daunting task to write an obituary for Bruce Wheeler, but here it goes. Bruce Newell Wheeler passed away Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at the age of 68 at his home in Missoula. He was born Dec. 15, 1947, in Lakeview, Michigan, and raised on a potato farm in the thriving metropolis of Coral, Michigan, with his parents, Gilbert (The Ole Bowser) and Eula (Little Spud) Wheeler, where Bruce learned his unparalleled work ethic, and lifelong love of machines and maximum power.

Bruce voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 as a door gunner on helicopter gunships and served one tour in Vietnam, where he earned three purple Hearts, Air Service Medals and a Medal for Valor. When Bruce returned home, he spent nine months in Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, recovering from his wounds, and he was forever grateful for their incredible care. Upon exiting the hospital, he began a long career in law enforcement and aviation beginning with the East Lansing Police Department while he pursued a degree in criminal justice at Michigan State University, and obtained his pilot's license. After numerous years with the East Lansing Police Department, he left to fly as a drug interdiction pilot with the United States Customs Service where he flew both fixed and rotor wing aircraft and converted jet fuel to noise for the next 15 years.

He was a proud man who had unbelievable stories of his many adventures. He retired to Missoula with his then-wife, Jan (Jana Montana), and his two youngest sons. He quickly fell in love with Montana and the lifestyle surrounding it. He fished and hunted and fished some more, and always was ecstatic to share his outdoor adventures with family and friends.

Bruce is survived by his three grown sons, Dann Gilbert Wheeler (The Mutt), Merritt Matthew Wheeler (Junior) and Brian Holden Wheeler (Boo Boo Bud); his daughter-in law, Lisa M. Wheeler (Big L); two former wives, Rhonda Waldron (The Ole Bear), and Jan Wheeler, both of whom remained very close friends with Bruce; and countless wonderful friends who were more like family. Bruce also has two grandchildren, Emma (Sweet Little Precious Little Pretty Little Ems) and Miles (Milsey Wilsey Boy), who adored their "Grandpa Zoom Zoom" and loved their summer trips to his Montana home.

Bruce had a larger-than-life personality and was viewed as nearly immortal by those who knew him. He had a ready-made nickname for everyone he'd meet. He was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return. His absence will be felt for the rest of our lives.

Bruce's cremated remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., with full military honors at a later date. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, Feb. 15, at his home beginning at 1 p.m. All are welcome to come and celebrate his life.


Read Bruce Wheeler's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.