[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 107 (Thursday, July 10, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4397-S4398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING MOON WHEELER

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and 
legacy of former Idaho State Senator Ralph Merrill ``Moon'' Wheeler, 
Jr. His nearly 40 years of service to the people of Idaho will not be 
forgotten.

[[Page S4398]]

  With close to 40 years in elected office, Moon was dedicated to 
improving his community and his State. His public service included time 
as an Idaho State Senator, a member of the Idaho State House of 
Representatives, Power County commissioner, and American Falls City 
councilman and mayor. He was part of numerous Idaho State Senate 
committees, including on the Health and Welfare and Local Government 
and Taxation Committees, and interim committees. He also served as 
chairman of the Indian Affairs Council. Additionally, during his time 
as Power County commissioner, he was the legislative chair for the 
Idaho Association of Counties.
  He had numerous other leadership roles, and he has been widely 
recognized for his outstanding leadership. This includes his tenure as 
the president of the Idaho Cities Association. Moon also served on the 
Idaho State University Alumni Board and on the Dean's Advisory Board 
for the College of Pharmacy. He earned the College of Pharmacy's 1999 
Professional Achievement Award. In 1998, he was recognized with 
American Falls High School Education Foundation's first Outstanding 
Alumna Award, and Moon and his wife Ann were honored with the school's 
Heritage Award in 2009. These are just a few of his many achievements 
throughout his well-respected career and community involvement.
  His considerable personal experience helped shape his public service. 
His family homesteaded in Idaho. He attended the University of Idaho 
and earned a pharmacy degree from Idaho State University. He utilized 
his degree as manager and owner of Rockland Pharmacy for more than 30 
years. He was also a farmer, retaining the family farm until 2008. He 
was also an avid fly fisherman, camper, and gardener.
  I extend my deep condolences to Ann, their children, grandchildren, 
great-grandson, and many friends and other family members. Moon built a 
legacy of dedicated service. He left a lasting mark in our communities 
through the many projects he spearheaded and supported and the 
countless lives he touched. His commitment to family and community and 
his exceptional work for Idahoans are central to his remarkable legacy 
of service.

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