Nathan W Wheeler Sr.

Nathan W. Wheeler Sr., 77 of Norwich passed away at Bayview Rehab in Waterford on December 2, 2022. He was born at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital on December 2, 1945 a son of Bertha M. (Clark) and Nathan W. Wheeler. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna M. (Bode) Wheeler. He was a devoted son, husband and father. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his family.

He worked several years at Lehigh Bottled Gas in Norwich as a serviceman maintaining equipment and delivering bottled gas around Norwich and surrounding area. He then worked nights as an armed guard at Milstone Power Plant in Waterford. He also worked many years at Uncas Gas in Franklin delivering propane throughout most of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He became very familiar with most of the surrounding countryside where he would take weekend rides with his wife and children. There wasn't a back road or interstate he did not know.

He was superintendent for 35 years of the rabbit and poultry pavilion at the Lebanon Country and Hebron Harvest Fairs. He also judged rabbits at 4-H Fairs. He served as president of the Northeast Connecticut Rabbit Growers Association; and vice president of the New England Show Circuit, a rabbit association covering all of New England. He was superintendent of the N.E.C.R.G.A. rabbit show held annually at the University of Connecticut.

Nate was an avid motorcycle rider and rode his motorcycle most of the year, weather permitting. He and his brother would go to Laconia, N.H. annually on Father's Day weekend. It was a very common site to see him with his yellow Lab, Yeller, hopping on the back and riding with him throughout the immediate area.

Nate was well-liked by all who knew him. He could carry on an extensive conversation on any topic with anyone. He had the gift of gab, a smile on his face and was easily approachable.

Just this past May, 2022 he was predeceased by his youngest daughter Julieanne Wheeler. He was also predeceased by his first wife Linda M. (Fletcher) Wheeler; a sister Marjorie Analowski; a sister Shirley Botello; a brother Edward "Cochise" Gwazdowski: and a brother Russell Nadeau.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Judy-Lynn and Mike Riley of West Virginia; a son Nathan W. Wheeler Jr.; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services and burial will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.churchandallen.com for the Wheeler family.