Kenneth Wheeler

Kenneth “Kenny” Medore Wheeler, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2015 after a brave battle with cancer. Kenny was surrounded by his loved ones within his home at Meriwether, Montana.

Kenny was born in Portland, Oregon on November 28, 1925. He attended Higgins School at Meriwether, and later attended and graduated from Browning High School in 1943. In 1944, Kenny was drafted into the US Navy during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to the family home where he farmed and ranched for many years. He was an excellent mechanic and was called upon by many neighboring farmers for his expertise.

In 1947, Kenny married Carole Joyce Salois. They had two children, Sheryle and Kathy. In 1954, he married Joy Ann Guardipee and they had three children, Toni, Kenton and Steven. In 1974, Kenny married Ina Rae Randall and they were married for 28 years.

Kenny was a member of the Moose Lodge in Cut Bank for many years.  He also enjoyed happy hour at many other local taverns. Throughout his life, Kenny was an avid reader, enjoyed working crossword puzzles, riding his 4 Wheeler, watching his old westerns, visiting his friends and family, and telling elaborate stories and jokes with his colorful sense of humor.

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Rae; his mother, Melvena Harwood; his stepfather, Mark Harwood; his daughter, Toni Sheehey; and his granddaughter Sheila Flying. Kenny is survived by his daughters, Sheryle (Rick) Bittner, Kathy (Gene) Maggi of Meriwether, MT; his sons, Kenton (Sandy) Wheeler of Arlington, TX and Steven (Cecyla) Wheeler of Chicago, IL; and numerous grand-children, great-grand-children and great-great-grand-children.