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Bill Wheaton
A legend, known as William “Bill” Wheaton, was born to Kenneth and Shirley (Wiley) Wheaton on June 8, 1959, where he found himself gasping his first breath of fresh air in the city of Ludington. It would be a town for which he would spend nearly his entire life. He was always a kind quiet soul that assisted his father on various construction jobs, but ultimately became a highly revered employee of the Ludington State Park for over 20 years before his health forced his retirement in 2017.
His proudest moments of his life included marrying Georgia Makowicki in 1979. Through this union, the world was blessed through the creation of four mini legends, as apples never fall far from the tree. Being a father was where Bill shined the most. Whether it was through rides through the country, camping trips to the UP, fishing at the long skinny park or simply taking a good hike at the state park, spending time with his children was one of the most important things to Bill.
He was someone who wanted to make others smile. A jokester, sometimes a great sense of humor and sometimes pretty corny. He always wanted to make others’ lives better. It may be said that he likely gained some of his sense of humor through the movies he enjoyed. Family movie nights were frequent, often several nights a week, as the Wheaton’s enjoyed time together with popcorn and every movie possible. If Family Video had a gold club membership, he would have been #1. He loved nature, photography, Detroit Lions, his family and believed strongly that the bottom of the food pyramid was more appropriately consisted of cheese.
Bill was also known as being the favorite brother to his four sisters. He was also well loved and cherished in his role of “Uncle Bill” The world was a better place because he existed. However, he chose not to disclose his favorite morel hunting spots to anyone beyond his children and their locations have been forever sworn to secrecy.
One of the hardest days of his life was when his beloved youngest child, Katie, would lose her battle to cancer at the tender age of 37 in 2023. On Monday, February 24, 2025, Chi Chi, as she would always fondly call him, would rejoin her after taking his last breath following his own battle with cancer.
Bill is survived by his sons Matthew (Paul) Castro- Wheaton of Montclair, California and Billy Wheaton of Ludington; daughter Amanda Hepworth of Custer; son-in-law Tyler Denton of Scottville; sisters, Pamela Wheaton and Susie (Scott) Gracyzk of Ludington; 12 grandchildren, Dominic, Leigha, Sarah, Tay, Tyler, Noah, Laura, Jenna, Josiah, Emma, Liam and Hans; six great-grandchildren with another on the way in June; and lastly, but not least he leaves behind some amazing nieces and nephews.
Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Cynthia Harmon and Debra Lindenau; daughter Katie Rose Denton; son-in-law James Hepworth; and brother-in-law Bill “Bucky” Lindenau.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating towards the burial/funeral costs, which includes a planned bench that will be placed at the Ludington State Park. After which, get yourself a Chuck Wagon pizza, ice cold pop and settle in and watch a movie with your family in honor of Bill’s life.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a time to share memories at 4 p.m., at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel in Ludington.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
