Harold Perry Wheeler's Obituary
Harold Perry Wheeler of Norton Shores passed into the presence of his Lord on Friday, May 27, 2016. Harold was born in Muskegon on January 26, 1937, to Wilfred and Berendena (Sprik) Wheeler and spent his entire life in the Muskegon area. Harold served his country both in the Army and National Guard. For his professional career, Harold served as a firefighter for the Muskegon Heights and Norton Shores departments. Harold began as a volunteer firefighter, and rose to office of Fire Chief in 1980. Harold filled the Chief’s office until his retirement in 1999. In 1990, Harold was appointed by Governor James Blanchard to the Municipal Fire Service Classification Board to represent the Michigan Fire Chiefs Association. Harold received his training through the University of Michigan Extension Services where he completed Michigan Fire College and received several certifications including: Haz-Mat Operations, Arson Detection, Instructors Training Program, Firemanship Training, and Emergency Preparedness Training. Harold was admitted to the Michigan Fire Service Instructors Association in 1977 being actively involved in educating others including teaching courses at Muskegon Community College. In addition to serving his community through the fire department, Harold was a faithful member of Berean Church and served multiple terms on the church board. In his retirement, Harold traveled to many countries in Europe and Africa as well as throughout the United States. He loved spending time with his three grandchildren. Harold is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Gerald. Harold’s devoted wife, Maryanne, of 54 years survives him along with son Randy (Antonina), daughter Pamela (Brian) Sherstad, three grandchildren Jordon, Jonah and Sofia along with brother Weitse. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00AM, Friday, June 3, 2016 at Berean Church (635 Seminole Rd) with Rev. Rob Renberg and Rev. Craig Apel officiating. VISITATION with the family will take place Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM at the Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 and also visitation one hour prior to the service on Friday at church. MEMORIALS can be directed to Berean Church. BURIAL will take place at Norton Cemetery.
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