Ralph Gilbert Wheeler was born September 28, 1901, at Pepin, the son of Clara and the late George M. Wheeler. He graduated from the Hicks, Valley grade school, the Pepin High school and from the University of Wisconsin.

He was married November 17, 1923, to Helen Mears of Pepin. To them was born one son, Donald.

In 1926 he began, working for the Wisconsin Gas and Electric Company as chemist. In 1929 he was made assistant superintendent and in 1943 superintendent of the gas plant.

Mr. Wheeler passed away Sept, 14th at St. Mary's hospital in Milwaukee, having been in poor health for two years. He leaves to mourn his death: his wife, Helen, and son, Donald, of Racine; his mother, Mrs. Clara Wheeler, Pepin; two brothers, Marlin L. of Plainview, Minn., and Graydon G. of Minneapolis; .three sisters, Mrs. Chas. Peters of Madison, Mrs. Clarence Seifert and Mrs. Victor J. -Peters of Pepin.

Services held from the Thronson funeral home at Racine. at 1:45 p. m. last week Monday were conducted by Dr.. Seidenspinner, minister of the First Methodist Church of Racine, and the Employees Mutual Benefit Association, of which he was a member. The following is part of the E. M. B. A. service:

"Brother Ralph G. Wheeler became a member of our order Sept. 1, 1926, shortly after he began his employment with Wisconsin Gas and Electric Co. as chemical engineer at the Racine Gas Works. In 1929 he became assistant superintendent of gas manufacturing and on May 1, 1943, he was placed in charge of that activity as superintendent. In the nearly two decades in company service he brought to the positions he held such attributes as outstanding ability, industry, and the faculty of serving in genuine cooperation with his associates, and thereby earned the devotion of those working under his supervision and the esteem of company executives and fellow department heads.

His interests, in addition to his work, were cantered in his home life. In his family circle he found relaxation and there, ever the provident and loving husband and father, he spent his most contented hours. "In the passing of Brother Wheeler the community of Racine loses a useful, substantial citizen, his associates in the company a valued co-worker; but the greatest loss is, of course, suffered by his immediate family, and to the widow and son, the mother, sisters, and brothers, as well as to other relatives, the heartfelt sympathy of the members of the Employes' Mutual Benefit Association is extended."

Services were held Wednesday, Sept. 19, from the Methodist Church at Pepin, the Rev. C. Paul Nulton officiating. Interment was made in Oakwood cemetery. Pall bearers were Marlin and Graydon Wheeler, Clarence Seifert, Claude Mears, Chas. and Victor Peters.