Necrology

Richard Maitland Wheeler '53

Mar. 31, 1931-Mar. 25, 2006

Richard Maitland Wheeler ’53, a dentist who practiced in a small town in northern Michigan for 43 years, was born on March 31, 1931, in Toledo, OH. His parents were Richard L., a manufacturer’s representative, and Dorothy Schemenauer Wheeler. Dick Wheeler grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, where he was graduated from Farmington High School. He came east to Hamilton in 1949, his interest in the College having been kindled by Dr. Joseph J. Gadbow ’39. He joined Theta Delta Chi, played intramural sports, and, having majored in the sciences, left the Hill with his diploma in 1953.

After obtaining his D.D.S. degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1957, Dick Wheeler established his practice in the resort community of Oscoda, along the shores of Lake Huron and at the mouth of the Ausable River. There he “played the part of oral plumber” until his retirement in 2000.

Active both professionally and in the community during his younger years, Dick Wheeler was a past president of the Northeastern Dental Society and member of the house of delegates of the Michigan Dental Association. He also served as president of the Oscoda Kiwanis Club and the Community Chest, and was a member of the board of education of the Oscoda Area Schools. A senior warden of St. John Episcopal Church, he coached a variety of Little League sports when his children were young. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes since it afforded “fresh air with a minimum of stress.”

Richard M. Wheeler, seriously ill since suffering a stroke in early 2004, died at his home in Oscoda on March 25, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Marrianne Walker Wheeler, whom he had wed in Detroit in September 1957. Also surviving are two sons, Richard J. and Arthur M. Wheeler; a daughter, Diane L. Gary; and four grandchildren and a sister.

Necrology Home