Russell (Mike) H. Wheeler, Jr.

Russell H. (Mike) Wheeler, Jr., 91, of Columbia, CT passed away on October 24, 2020 surrounded by his family.  He was born in Elizabeth, NJ to Russell H. Wheeler, Sr. and Margaret (Craig) Wheeler. Russell was a graduate from The University of The South in Sewanee, TN.  For all of his working life, he worked as a medical laboratory administrator for Aetna, CIGNA, and Kaiser Permanente. He spent many years as a lake patrol officer for Columbia Lake. Russell was a very giving man; he donated 42.5 gallons of blood to the Red Cross and read for the blind with CRIS Radio for 25 years. Russell was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Hebron, CT and a barbershop quartet singer for 60 years. Although Russell and Stephanie traveled widely, they built their lives around Columbia Lake, having been long time members of the Lake Association. Russell deeply loved his blended family. Russell is survived by his wife of 40 years, Stephanie (Wilcox), daughter Peggy Cobb (Jim), their two children Amy Carlsen (Derek), and David Cobb, daughter Betsy Carbo (Mark) and their daughters Becca (Steven) McConchie & Chelsea (Mark) Bruff, his step son Philip Lewis (Layne), and his two sons Justin and Ethan, and three great grandchildren, and one brother Robert of Oviedo, Florida. Russell's family will have a graveside service on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 11am at West Street Cemetery in Columbia, CT.  This service will be followed by a Celebration of Life and musical presentation at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 30 Church St. (Rt. 85) Hebron, CT.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to CRIS Radio (CT Radio Information System) @ crisradio.org.  To sign an online guestbook visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

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