Robert J. Wheeler

Bob, 81, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, in the presence of his loving family. He was born July 12, 1933, in Pablo to Joseph Wheeler and Elaine Leighton Wheeler. Bob spent his early years with his grandparents and extended family in Moiese. The family later moved to Grant Creek, which was then the Wheeler ranch, through which Interstate 90 now runs.

Bob briefly attended high school in Missoula, then left to help his grandparents manage the Wheeler ranch when his uncle passed away. At age 18, Bob began work at a sawmill near Twin Lakes owned by his father and his uncle, then joined the U.S. Navy in 1952. His Navy years included participation in the Korean War, stationed primarily at the Alameda Naval Air Station working as an aviation metal smith. Bob was proud of his military service, achieving the rank of petty officer first class in just four years.

At the age of 26, Bob married Carolyne Jean Gill of Avon and moved to St. Ignatius and then Clinton, where they raised eight children. Bob and Jean relocated to Clinton so that Bob could attend the University of Montana, where he graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) and received a Master of Science degree in geology. Bob's career as a geologist included working for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Pablo initiating their mineral exploration program, then self-employment as a consulting geologist until he passed away.

Family, friends and community were Bob's passions. Bob enjoyed welcoming others into his home and sharing food and fun. Hunting, including duck and goose hunting with his children and friends Gray Thompson, Don Winston and brother-in-law James Stuck, was a particular passion, which is carried on by his children and extended to their families. Bob was a member of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department for many years and enjoyed his EMT training.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Joe; stepmother, Margaret; brothers, Joe, Jimmy, Mike and Tom; sister, Betty; and granddaughter, Erin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jean; children, Mike (Stacey), Bob (Kathy), Tim, Letitia (Edward), Brian (Rachel), Robin (Dan) and Tara; grandchildren, Jake, Josh, Kaylee, Kelly (Patrick) Howell, Colleen (Josh) Moore, Conor, Logan, Brian, Kelsey, Liam, Wyatt Holliday and Garrett Holliday; great-grandchildren, Riley Howell, Ryan Howell and Gage Moore; sisters, Jackie (Bruce) McRae, Carol Jarrell, Dorothy (Larry) Clinkenbeard, Petie (Larry) Gariepy, Zetra Wheeler and Binky (Mitch) Bowman; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved.

The vigil and rosary will be held at St. Ann Parish in Bonner at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the church, where a reception will immediately follow. The graveside service will be held at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula at 2:30 p.m. Monday.
Read Robert Wheeler's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.