Richard Wheeler

Richard "Dick" Wheeler, age 67, dean of the Wisconsin press corps, died suddenly at home on Friday, November 11, 2011 as he prepared for another day at work in the Capitol where he worked for 40 years. Wheeler worked a full day Thursday reporting on the finance committee. He was born outside of Pittsburgh PA July 1, 1944 the son of Harold "Red" and Ada May (Fogle) Wheeler. Dick studied for one year to be a Baptist minister before he found his true calling to be a journalist. Wheeler had a distinguished journalism career in Michigan and Ohio, where he covered the 1970 Kent State shootings, before he moved to Wisconsin in 1972. He had previously worked for United Press International and Scripps Howard. Wheeler is remembered as an "institution within the institution" by Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison. Dick had encyclopedic knowledge of the legislative process that he distilled for readers o f his website and generously dispensed to fellow reporters, lawmakers and staff members - often whether they asked for it or not. "Dick contributed immensely to our democracy in a very meaningful way," said former Gov. Tommy Thompson. "He was always straightforward and honest, and he had a tremendous impact on the way state government and politics were covered and shared with the public," referring to Wheeler as a legend and a longtime friend. Gov. Scott Walker said Wheeler "always impartially and honorably pursued the truth." Dick started The Wheeler Report in 1972, and was joined by his daughter Gwyn Guenther, son in law Trevor Guenther, and longtime companion Diane Harmelink on the website The Wheeler Report, which was a family business. "My dad always said two things about his job," Guenther said. "He loved what he was doing so he never worked a day in his life and the day he stopped enjoying it he would stop showing up." In addition to his first love of Journalism, Dick also was an avid cook, loved photography and enjoyed fishing. Dick is survived by his daughter Gwyn (Trevor) Guenther, granddaughters, Camille Guenther and Tabitha Guenther, a sister Ruth Ann Cooney, nephew Rodger (Cheryl) Eads, and many journalism and government associates. A memorial service to honor his contribution to journalism and Wisconsin government will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 in the first floor rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53702. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Portage Music Boosters, Inc. c/o Portage High School 301 East Collins Street Portage, WI 53901. Condolences may be sent to Dick's family c/o Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705. There may be one less person in the office situated between the Senate and Assembly chambers, but his honesty, professionalism, and contribution to journalism will linger, as will the smell of sweet pipe tobacco at the entrances to the state Capitol.