Vern L. Wheeler's Obituary
Vern Leroy Wheeler, beloved educator and church leader, died suddenly on June 29 at age 92. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2010 at Puyallup South Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 13420 94th Ave. E., Puyallup. Viewing begins at noon. Vern was born July 19, 1917, in Kimball, Alberta, Canada, son of Nephi Lincoln and Verna Olive Adams Wheeler. His two brothers, Jay and Grant, preceded him in death. He married Jennie Taylor on Oct. 5, 1938. They celebrated 71 anniversaries, and Jennie survives him. They have one daughter, Rita Wheeler Ely, and four grandchildren and their partners: Juan Antonio Trujillo, Lisa Hoonan-Trujillo and Debbie, James Wheeler Happy and Jamie, and Emily Happy Miller and Charles. He is also loved by nieces and nephews, cousins and other family members. Vern interrupted his work as teacher and principal in Alberta to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After the war he received a bachelor's degree from University of Alberta. He also held degrees and post-graduate credits from Pacific Lutheran University and Brigham Young University. After moving to the Tacoma area in 1951, he began teaching in Tacoma School District. He taught at Fern Hill Baker, and Mason, and worked as a counselor at Wilson. He capped his career with 16 years as a much-respected assistant principal at Stadium High School, receiving standing ovations from seniors during the last two graduation ceremonies he attended before retirement. He served as bishop of Puyallup and Summit Wards of the LDS Church, as a high council member of Tacoma Stake, as patriarch of Puyallup South Stake for 23 years, and as a volunteer ordinance worker at the Seattle Temple for almost 30 years. The Wheelers served a mission in England. Vern's mortal life was spent in loving service to others. He was a man without guile, and he has been a role model for his family, friends and all who knew him.
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