William Kilner Augustus Wheeler ’42

Bill Wheeler died Oct. 1, 1995, in Portland, Oreg., following an eight year battle with Parkinson's disease, about which he never complained. Characterized as a gentle man, he never lost his love for the outdoors, which included fly fishing, hunting, and tennis. Although he left Princeton after sophomore year, he maintained his ties through periodic travels and mini-reunions with his roommates, Fred Schaettler, Walt Guzzardi, Jim Greenbaum, and Lou Pyle '41.

Bill came to Princeton from Lincoln H.S., in Portland, and after leaving, joined the Army Air Corps. He spent four years as a pilot, including 50 missions over North Africa in B-25s, followed by duty with the Air Transport Command in the Pacific theater. Following his discharge, as a 1st lt., he returned to Portland and organized a business manufacturing garage doors, later selling out to a national company.

To his wife, Pat; to his daughters, Mary and Martha; to his sons, William and Tobin; and to his seven grandchildren, the class offers its condolences.

The Class of 1942