William S Wheeler

William S. Wheeler (Bill) passed away peacefully, with his children by his side, on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, the son of the late William J. Wheeler and Anna E. Wheeler. He has fond memories of visiting the neighborhood playgrounds in Los Angeles and playing sports with his extended family and friends. There, he learned to play tennis from his late Uncle, Louis “Bud” Wheeler, a sport he enjoyed and excelled at for almost 60 years, including winning the Los Angeles City Tennis Championship in doubles while in high school.

Bill loved to dance. For most of his life, he could be seen gliding across the dance floor, square dancing with his late wife, Jackie Wheeler, in the early days and, later in life, ballroom dancing with his sweetheart and partner, the late Marilyn Sowinski.

When Bill was not busy working, playing tennis, or dancing, he could be found in his garden. He grew all sorts of vegetables and was proud of his “best in class” lawn in the neighborhood.

Faith was a cornerstone of Bill’s life. He was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Hemet, California and a proud former Grand Knight and Fourth Degree member of the local Knights of Columbus.

Growing up in the Great Depression, Bill learned to place value on hard work and family. Bill had nearly a 60-year career in farming, first as the co-owner of a chicken ranch and orange grove in Moreno Valley, California and later as a Foreman at a large chicken ranch in Southern California. During that time, he and his late wife raised five children, instilling in them the value of hard work, perseverance and, most importantly, kindness to others.

Bill leaves behind four of his five children: Jeanette Marriott of Vista, California; Susan Bouk (Brian Bouk) of Hemet, California; Thomas Wheeler of Escondido, California; William Wheeler (Lesley Norelli) of San Francisco, California; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Wheeler.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Lady of Joy Hospice and the Hickorywood Care Home in Hemet, California for the care, love, and kindness given to Bill over the past year; and to Maria Martinez for her in-home care of Bill the year prior. Request any remembrances be made to Lady of Joy Hospice, 4959 Palo Verde Street, Montclair, CA 91763.

Celebration of Life and funeral services are private and there are no calling hours. The family is being served by Hemet Valley Mortuary, 403 N. San Jacinto St., Hemet, CA.