Gene Wiley, age 87, of Merrill, passed away Friday, May 25, 2012 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born December 17, 1924 in Tomahawk to the late William A. & Maude (Farrington) Wiley. He married Sally (Angus) Weix, in Merrill, on May 6, 1988. She survives.
Gene spent his early years in Tomahawk and moved to South Beloit, IL in 1937, where he attended South Beloit High School. He left school in Dec., 1942, before graduating to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After training as a Torpedoman, he was assigned to the escort carrier, USS Tripoli. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 14, 1946. At the urging of his high school principal, Gene attended college in St. Cloud, MN and returned to South Beloit, where he entered the teaching profession. He furthered his own education, receiving his master’s degree in 1964 from Northern Illinois University, later becoming the principal of South Beloit Junior High School.
Survivors include his wife: Sally Wiley, Merrill; two sons: Tom Wiley, Columbia Falls, MT, and Tim (Kari) Kalispell, MT; three step-sons: John (Lori) Weix, Mike (Alicia) Weix and Steve (Joelene) Weix, all of Merrill, one step-daughter: Patty (Matt) Piikkila, Marinette, WI; two grandsons: Seth & Sam Wiley; one grand daughter: Kayla (Vince) Taylor, Columbia Falls, MT; and three great-grandsons: Trenton, Parker and Riley Taylor, as well as his step-grandchildren; Isaac, Mia, Molly, Sarah Jo. Patrick. Elizabeth, Emily, Madi and Emil Jeffrey, along with numerous nieces and nephews including Donna(Gene) Block of Merrill and his brother-in-law, Jack (Barbara) Angus. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, EvLynn, brothers Dale, Clint and Warren, and sisters Joyce, Beryl, Violet and Iris.
A Prayer Service will be held 7 PM Wednesday May 30, 2012 at Waid Funeral Home. Father Mike McLain will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com,