George A. Wheelock, 81, of Baudette, Minn., died peacefully at Lakewood Health Center Hospital with one of his many nephews at his side.
George Allan Wheelock was born in Birchdale, Minn., on May 8, 1930, to Ethel May (Broeffle) Wheelock and Daniel Perry Wheelock.
George grew up with three brothers and two sisters in Birchdale, Minn.
He graduated from Indus High School in the spring of 1948.
He worked for the M&O Paper Company from September 1948 until February 1951.
He began his active military service in the Korean Conflict on Feb. 21, 1951. and was honorably discharged Feb. 17, 1953.
Near that time, he fell in love with Annabelle Mae Coope. They married June 26, 1954, and moved to Hoyt Lakes, Minn., where he began employment at various jobs. He was hired by the Erie Mining Company in 1956 and served as a locomotive mechanic for 36 years until he retired in 1992.
During that time, he continued his lengthy military service with many years in the U.S. Army Reserves and Army National Guard. He retired from military duties May 8, 1990.
While living in Hoyt Lakes, the couple made many endearing friendships. Many of those friendships were developed while he served for 25 years on the Hoyt Lakes Fire Department and became an emergency medical technician as well. A man with many interests; he raised many prize winning chinchillas for a number of years and also made many crafts, including birdhouses, wind chimes, and hanging porch lights. He gave away hundreds of these craft items as generosity was one of “his” gifts.
One of his favorite pastimes was playing the role of a very realistic “Santa Claus.” He delighted children with this talent for 30-plus years. It was never quite clear who enjoyed this more, the multitude of children he visited, or George himself.
Upon retirement, he and Annabelle moved north to Frontier, Minn. They enjoyed spending time growing a massive lush garden of vegetables, raspberries, grapes and apples. Together they did much canning, freezing, gathering mushrooms, and gave away mountains of produce, jams, and pickles.
Of course, they enjoyed lots of fishing as well.
Many a time George had been known to say, “We had a really good marriage.” When Annabelle became ill, George took care of her until her passing. Later he moved to International Falls where he lived for some years and enjoyed eating out, shopping, and family gatherings. Most recently, he resided at The ARC apartments, of the Lakewood Medical Center in Baudette, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Annabelle; brothers, Lester and Dean (Joyce) Wheelock; and sisters, Doris (Stanley) Bullick and Vivian Grund.
He is survived by his brother, Stanley (Maureen) Wheelock; brother-in-law, John Grund; sister-in-law, Charlotte Wheelock; and numerous nephews, nieces and other family members.
George was a wonderful husband, brother, uncle, and friend. All that knew him will truly miss him.
A funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at United Congregational Church, Birchdale, Minn.
Interment will be at Birchdale Cemetery after the service.
A meal and memory sharing will follow at Birchdale Community Center. All George’s family and friends are welcome.
There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, with a family service that will start at 6:30 at Helgeson Funeral Chapel, 112 First St. SW, Baudette, Minn.
