Charles Wheeler ... former RPD lieutenant; at 91

MIDDLETON - Charles W. Wheeler, 91, of Middleton died on Dec. 2, 2023, at home with his family by his side.

Born on Nov. 13, 1932, in Madison, the son of Lawrence and Alice Wheeler, he leaves behind his partner of 7 years, Anita Rehrauer. Charles grew up in Rochester, graduating from Spaulding High School Class of 1951. He learned his carpentry trade working alongside his father, a skill he perfected throughout his retirement years.

In 1953, Charles met and married Mildred T. Sullivan of Dorchester, Mass. During their 39 wonderful years together, they raised eight children, and enjoyed 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

After the passing of his wife Millie in 1992, he met and later married Freda L. Frost of Middleton. The two were married for 17 years, until her death in 2016. Over their years together, Charles and Freda enjoyed a beautiful life together. He gained a stepdaughter, Debbie Green, her husband Steve and their family, whom he treasured dearly.

After high school, Charles worked at General Electric in Somersworth. Before entering a lifetime of public service, he served 8 years in the NH National Guard. He joined the Rochester Police Department in July of 1957, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was Athletic Director for the Police Little League of Rochester. Charles served as a NH State Trooper for five years, patrolling Strafford and Carroll Counties. He became Chief of Police for the Town of Alton, NH until his retirement in 1978.

During his retirement, Charles put his carpenter skills to work remodeling homes. He also volunteered as a firefighter in the Town of New Durham.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Mildred in 1992, his second wife Freda in 2016, son, James W. Wheeler in 1998. He is survived by his daughter, Terri Hemeon and husband Howard of Leland, N.C.; son, Bruce Wheeler and his wife Louise of Rochester; daughter, Lynn Flaherty and her husband William of Londonderry; son, Richard Wheeler of Wolfeboro; son, David Wheeler and his wife Shannon of Concord; daughter, Maureen Brideau and her husband Pat of Barrington; son, Peter Wheeler and his wife Sandie of St. Augustine, Fla; step daughter, Debbie Green and her husband Steve of Middleton. He is also survived by his sisters, Marguerite (Peggy) Phinney and Marsha Strout of Florida.