It is with extreme sadness the Cutchin Family announces the passing of our beloved adopted granddad, Elmer Joseph Wheeler, from Oelrichs, SD.  He holds a special place in our hearts and will be deeply missed.

EJ was born May 20, 1935, in Glassboro, Gloucester County, NJ to Elmer Theodore and Ida Lapinsky Wheeler.  He passed away on December 17, 2021, at the age of 86, in Hot Springs, SD.   He was the oldest of his siblings, one brother, Jon Wheeler and a sister, Madeline Wheeler Nelson.

At the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, as a Navy Corpsman he was assigned to 3 ^rd Marine division FMF in Korea.  He was proud to be "Doc" for the Devil Dogs and considered himself a Marine at heart, honorably discharged in June of 1960.

Shirley Langley and EJ were married February 23, 1957.  They had a son, Bret and daughter, Brenda in January of 1958.

Throughout his employment career, he was a mold maker for several glass houses in Vineland, NJ.  He was an equipment operator for the railroad in Glenrock, WY and retired as a machinist for Central Life of Baker Hughes in Casper, WY.

EJ enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He especially enjoyed tying flies and fly fishing in South Dakota, Wyoming and Alaska.  Other hobbies included keeping up with his little schnauzer, Hoyt, who gave him many years of joy and companionship.

As a veteran, a highlight in his life was the Honor Flight invitation to visit the Washington, DC memorials, an experience he cherished.

Committal services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Minnekahta Valley Cemetery near Hot Springs, SD.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Oelrichs Fire and Ambulance Service in EJ's honor.  May God Bless you.