Ernest Wheeler

WINCHENDON - Ernest I. Wheeler, 82, of 91 Ipswich Drive, died Thursday, July 7th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner after an illness. He was born in Baldwinville on October 25,1922 the son of Everett R. and Ellen M. (Boucher) Wheeler and had resided in Winchendon for 52 years. Ernest was a machine operator at the former Spectar Polymer in Ashburnham before his retirement in 1977. He was previously employed at the Charles G. Allen Co. in Barre for 20 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War Two. His wife of 34 years, Frances E. (Crawford) Wheeler, died in 1987. Ernest leaves a daughter, Ethel M. Wheeler of Orange; a step-daughter, Nancy F. Gautreau of Templeton; a sister, Rowena A. Brouillet of Templeton; ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two brothers, E. Roswell Wheeler and Robert E. Wheeler, and four sisters, Adelaide C. Ballou, Dorothy E. Parker, Florence F. Hunter and Norma Hayes. A private funeral service will be held in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street. The Rev. Jennie A. Barrington, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church, will officiate. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Winchendon EMT Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 125, Winchendon, MA. 01475. www.snow-ladeau.com