Edward Alexander Wheelock

To A Father

Edward Alexander Wheelock

7/3/1924 – 7/3/2017
93 years of life
If not for the fortuitous survival of one Edward Wheelock, a 20-year-old kid on B-24 bomber duty in the jungles of Burma during the Second World War, there would be no Bonnie, no Christine, no Robert and no David.
But, he returned, and soon set out on his life mission. After growing up in Chicago, serving in the Army, as there was no official Air Force yet, and attaining his education, he started along his career path as an engineer. His career would span the decades, working at a few different companies, but probably finding his niche, at John Crane where he made lifelong friends and mentors. He participated in a number of patents for the company. He even attempted his own startup company at one time. Maybe not a resounding success, but he gave it a try.
Along the way he met his eventual wife Josephine, the mother of his four children. Although ultimately, that marriage did not survive, they spent time growing the family in the western suburbs of Berkely, IL , then the move to Lake Zurich.
Edward would find a long lasting love with Sharon as he entered his later years. He developed bonds with step children and new in-laws.
All along, there was a bond with his sister Vera and her husband Stanley as many others would pass on in life. Edward spent the last few months of Vera’s life with her at our cousin Nancy’s home. Nancy was taking care of Vera and Stanley. Both of them passed last fall, but our Dad enjoyed the company and care of Nancy and Anna so much that he stayed with them. They both took care of him until he passed, an act of kindness and love that will never be forgotten. Overall, he was a pretty healthy specimen at 93. He had plenty of replacement parts, but was still able to get around until the morning he did not wake, his 93rd birthday.
Each child had their own histories and interactions with their Dad over the years, some more than others. But ultimately, when you search for the beginning you find a father living a life like anyone else.
He outlasted many of his old friends and acquaintances and family from the old days. There were still some friends that he never would forget, Dave, Willie, Harry and Lila, John, Leslie, Karen, and Vinnie to mention a few. If someone is missed, know it’s the writer failing to capture them all, dad knew everyone and held them close right up to his passing.
He got to enjoy a few mostly complete holiday gatherings over the last couple of years, a source of joy for him. Not everyone made each event, but calls were made to make contact. He reconnected in many ways with his now adult grandchildren, and his growing up great grandchildren. This was his most cherished moments over these past years.
In a final act of generosity, he arranged to have his body donated to science. In speaking with the University of Indiana, School of Medicine, that would take him, they never stopped expressing their appreciation for such a selfless act. Dad figured that if he lasted as long as he had, maybe there is something to learn from his body.
We learned that a son becomes a man, a man may become a father, and the father lives his life the best that he can, giving advice and counsel along the way, and when that Father is gone, there is a spot that can no longer be filled except with the memories of a life well lived. A long trail of old home movies will help too.
Services will be private with the family, but please keep him in mind and recall an old memory. You can also look to the stars, as he has a named star, EAW80, in the constellation Aquarius, an 80th birthday gift from all.
Thank you to all those that assisted the family in arrangements and final preparation. The staff at the Funeral Home were particularly nice and respectful.
Good bye to Edward A. Wheelock, until we all meet again.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at the American Legion Hall, 111 East Main Street, Round Lake Park, Illinois.