Gale Eldon Wheeler, 77, of Norwalk passed away on July 12, 2008 at Taylor House in Des Moines.

Gale was born in Argentine, Kansas on July 22, 1930. His parents Ira and Ruby Wheeler moved their family to Center Point, Iowa where Gale graduated from high school. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948 and served as a staff sergeant until 1952. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1954. Gale married Donna Scull in Burlington, Iowa in September 1954. They moved to Norwalk in 1957. Gale retired after 33 years from Blue Cross-Blue Shield, now known as Wellmark.

As an active Democrat, Gale was advisor to Warren County candidates who successfully served in the Iowa House of Representatives. He was Chairman of the Warren County Democrats and also served on the County Compensation Board in the 1970’s.  In Norwalk city government, Gale was a member of the first library board of directors; served two terms on the Planning and Zoning Board, and was Norwalk’s liaison to Central Iowa Planning Commission.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Arden.  He is survived by his wife Donna; daughter, Zoe Tyrrell; sons, Craig (Patty) and Kent of Des Moines, David of Chicago, and Tom (Tiffany Coleman) of Indianola.; sister, Lila Andersen of  Walker; brother, Stanley (Marian) of Omaha, NE.

Private family graveside services will be at the Norwalk Cemetery on July 15.  In lieu of flowers, please memorial contributions in Gale’s memory may be made to the Norwalk-Easter Public Library or to Iowa Health Taylor House.