In loving memory of

Paul Wheaton
July 17, 1943 - November 27, 2019

Paul James Wheaton, 76, of Houston, MN went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 27, 2019, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston surrounded by his wife and 2 sons.

Paul was born on July 17, 1943, on the family farm on Wheaton's Flats near Houston, Minnesota to John and Ella (Benson) Wheaton. He was raised in the Houston area and was a 1961 graduate of Houston High School. Paul was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Shangri-La from 1962-64 with his nephew Larry Thorson. After returning home from the Navy, Paul completed the welding program at Winona Technical College. After earning his degree, he worked at the La Crosse Trailer Works and the United Postal Service in Winona. On July 16, 1966, Paul was united in marriage with the love of his life Sharon Sennes at the Hokah Methodist Church. In 1969, Paul began his career at Tri-County Electric as a Lineman and later Construction Superintendent in the Houston and Rushford area for 36 years, retiring in 2005. He truly loved serving the customers of Tri-County Electric and enjoyed the people he worked with. In addition to his career at Tri County, Paul enjoyed living a life of service and being active in his community. Paul was a Master Mason and 32° in the Scottish Rite and was active in Masonic Lodge #69 for 52 years. He was a member of the US Naval Reserve Center in La Crosse, WI retiring after 20 years with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Paul was a member of the Houston Fire Department for 30 years where he served in the role of Assistant Chief. Paul was also a charter member of the Houston Ambulance Service where he served for 10 years. Paul was an active member of the Houston American Legion and Color Guard for over 50 years, the Money Creek Methodist Church, the Houston Wrestling Club, Houston Booster Club and the Valley View Manor Board. In his free time, Paul was passionate about outdoor activities. He loved working outside, welding in his shop, cutting wood, hunting, fishing and he cherished the time he spent with his family.

To those that knew Paul, he was a humble, hardworking, proud man who had a huge heart. He had a great love for his family and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone who needed it. He had a unique mechanical sense that gave him the ability to build or fix almost anything. His sons will always remember how he led by example, was the glue that kept everything together and how he taught them the value of having a good work ethic and what it meant to do things the right way verses the easy way.

Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; two sons: Jay of Houston, and Kyle (Gretchen) of Edina, MN and their children Charlie, Cecelia and Lydia; one brother, John "Pete" Wheaton of Sacramento, CA and by two sisters-in-law; Donna Rank of Houston and Judy Sennes of Hokah and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Ella V. Wheaton, 2 brothers, Art Wheaton and Samuel Wheaton and 5 sisters, Ruth Doering, Olive Dye, Lylah Lehmann, June Davies and Mildred Gaustad, one niece, Nancy Deshayes, and two nephews, Larry Thorson and Chuck Rank.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, MN with Rev. Kari Charboneau officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00- 8:00 p.m. also at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church on Friday, and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Money Creek Cemetery. Please leave a memory of Paul and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes

Raymond Markegard wrote on Dec 10, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. Many memories of Paul working with Dad at Tri-County. I know Dad values Your friendship. Please let us know if you and your family need anything. "

Barb Larson wrote on Dec 8, 2019:

"Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was such a good guy. Thinking about you and your family. Barb Larson"

Susan Thorson-Barnett wrote on Dec 6, 2019:

"Where to begin to share the many memories that I have with Paul and his beautiful wife, Sharon. Perhaps the earliest memories were when our family would visit Houston during Christmastime. Usually we had dinner at Tenart and Mildred's or at Tenus and Lola's house. During that time the cousins would visit. Many years have passed since those Christmas dinners. Now we stay connected with one another via text messages, emails and Messenger. But once a year, I would visit Houston during Hoe Down. We would meet at the Legion for pizza, popcorn, and liquid libations. Paul and Sharon would always be there. We would talk about WSU, holidays past, and families. On Sunday, we would go to church at the Money Creek Methodist Church. Sharon would be playing the organ and Paul would be the usher. .We always had a chance to visit after the service. Thank you Paul for those wonderful memories."

Mercedes Benson wrote on Dec 4, 2019:

"My sympathy to Paul?s family!"

Steve Halvorson wrote on Dec 2, 2019:

"I served withn Paul on theHouston Fire Dept. for 20 years. He was one of the people I most wanted to see when responing to a fire. I will always remember his dedication and friendship. Steve Halvorson"

Steven & Cynthia Abraham wrote on Dec 2, 2019:

"Paul was a most likable man. He truly had a servant's heart. I served with him in Naval Reserves for many years and always enjoyed his company. I always looked forward to seeing him at Subase Pearl Harbor reunions. He will be missed by all of us. My wife and I extend our sympathy to all of Paul's family and friends. Rest in Peace Paul."

Steven & Cynthia Abraham wrote on Dec 2, 2019:

"Paul was a most likable man. He truly had a servant's heart. I served with him in Naval Reserves for many years and always enjoyed his company. I always looked forward to seeing him at Subase Pearl Harbor reunions. He will be missed by all of us. My wife and I extend our sympathy to all of Paul's family and friends. Rest in Peace Paul."

Jerry Miller wrote on Dec 1, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of Paul's death. I enjoyed many years of service with Paul and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer the same day he was. May he rest in peace. Jerry Miller"

Sharon (Benson) Goede wrote on Nov 30, 2019:

"Paul's Family and Brother Pete...You have my sympathy...we were both watching our loved one at the same time and now both are gone...We will hold many many memories of the time we had with them..."

Pete Wheaton wrote on Nov 30, 2019:

"I never thought I would outlive you. But in life you never know. We had some good times, and a few bad. I remember when we were on the farm working the ground to get ready to plant corn and soybeans. We had many good times. I enjoyed being you brother. Rest In Peace, Paul . Good Bye Paul. "

Paul Comstock wrote on Nov 30, 2019:

"Rest in Peace Paul, You did well, You were a fine role model as well as a friend to all."

Andrea Langan wrote on Nov 29, 2019:

"I have so many childhood memories of Paul from Packer/Viking weekends, Noah?s Ark trips and after prom at the Wheatons for breakfast. He was always so kind and generous. Sharon Jay and Kyle I am so sorry for your loss and know you will miss him greatly. I hope dad was there to great him! Much love, Andrea Lemke Langan"

Gary Thorson wrote on Nov 29, 2019:

"I have many fond memories of Paul during my many visits to the Houston area while growing up. I worked with Paul & Larry Thorson in the fields during harvest season. I learned the value and satisfaction of hard work being on the farm with Paul & Larry. The three of us joined the Navy approximately the same time & we were all stationed in Mayport Fla. I have many memories of visiting Paul & Larry aboard the USS Shangri La when our ships were in port. Paul & I shared many similarities in our lives, we both worked in the electric utilities doing very similar jobs. I will surely miss Paul & all the times we met @ the Cross Roads cafe for morning coffee. "