William (Bill) Miles Wheeler
August 5, 1942 - May 1, 2024
Obituary
Aug. 5, 1942 – May 1, 2024
Bill died of heart failure at St. Joseph Hospital, Tacoma WA. The son of Robert Guy Wheeler and Dorothy Mae (Engle) Wheeler, he grew up in Gig Harbor, WA. In 1960 he graduated from Peninsula High School. He moved to Pullman to attend Washington State University, Class of 1964 – Go Cougs!
Following graduation, Bill began his career in public service in the Department of Public Assistance (now part of the Department of Social and Health Services) as a caseworker, rising to supervisory and management positions. While there, he earned a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Washington.
In 1977, he married the love of his life, Karen Maureen (Fromkin) Wheeler and moved to Palo Alto to get his MBA at the Sanford University Graduate School of Business (Class of 1979). After returning to Seattle, Bill rejoined DSHS, working in headquarters in financial management and agency operations. In 1982, Bill and Karen moved to Des Moines, WA to make their commutes to work less onerous.
In 1989, he accepted a position as Senior Financial Manager in the Dept. Of Ecology. His proudest achievement was his role in the construction of the new Ecology headquarters, helping to bring the building to completion on time and under budget.
After retiring in 1999, Bill devoted his time and energy to his interest in finding answers. He was a meticulous genealogist, tracing both his own and friends’ family history. Wanting to see the places where events both major and minor had occurred, Bill and Karen traveled extensively throughout the US and to over 90 countries. He lived life fully and died with no regrets.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Karen: his sister; Susan Myers; his nephews: John (Jennifer) Livingston; David Livingston; and his niece: Cindy (Patrick) Kelley; and great-nieces: Kate Livingston, Sara Livingston, and Grace Kelley. He is also survived by good friends who shared so many adventures with him.
At Bill’s request, there will not be a formal funeral. A celebration of his life is planned for later this summer.
Bill and I shared both High School and Collete together. He was a caring, funny, smart guy who you could always count on. We stayed in touch after graduating from WSU and shared stories, memories and mutual interests over the years. I am saddened by Bill’s passing. The world was a better place with him in it. Condolences to Karen. She truely was the love of his life.