The Midwest Gas Equipment Family

Donna, Gina, Lee, Jackie, Lori – and the infamous “Bull” in the background. When you become an employee of MGE, you become part of the family.



Lee Wheeler – President and Co-Founder

Midwest Gas Equipment began in 1967. Perry Perkinson, a Mechanical Engineer and partner of O’Fallon Gas, and Lee Wheeler, Operations Manager of O’Fallon Gas, merged their talents to form this new company. Both men being of integrity and Christian morals worked together well. They began by selling gas pressure regulators and became mechanical contractors specializing in commercial and industrial installations and repair. Their work included installing boiler rooms in air force bases throughout the United States.

Perry was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in1982. Lee considered him the best partner anyone could have ever had. He is still missed today. Because of health reasons, a few years later, Lee sold the contracting part of Midwest Gas, but continued to sell specialized gas equipment. The company has continued to grow and is still growing today.

Donna Steets, his daughter, has assumed the responsibility of running the company.



Donna grew up knowing what her fathers company did, but never imagined that some day in her life she would be so involved.

In 2000, Donna joined Midwest Gas. She came with experience from a 13 year career in Sales and accounting experience she gained working part time for her Mother’s account firm while she was in high school and college.

She has received countless hours of one on one training from Lee, and is now Vice President responsible for the every day operation of the business.

Donna has become very proficient in guiding supply houses, contractors and engineers in selection of specialized gas products. She has two children in middle school. She loves her job, and loves being a mom.



Jackie has been part of our family since 2003. She and her husband have a son in high school and a daughter in college. She is picking up the business fast and her knowledge base in the product is growing daily. Jackie is a hard working, multi-tasking, person who has fit into the integrity policy of our company easily. We were thrilled when she joined us, and that feeling just continues to grow.



Gina joined our family in 1997. She worked with Donna at another company, and we were thrilled when she was looking for something closer to her home, and we were just the right distance for her. She and her husband have three kids in grade school. She is a long time family friend, and it was just natural for her to join our company and become part of our “family” here at the office also. She wears many hats, and wears them all well. She always has a great attitude, and we hear nothing but praise about her from our customers. She is another keeper…..

Lori joined us in 2004. She is another one who we have known for over 20 years. When she was in high school, she attended youth group activities with her church, which were many times at the home of Lee and Clarice Wheeler. Lori and her husband have a daughter in high school and two boys in middle school. Although Lori does not get involved with the technical side of the business, you may still talk to her from time to time. Lori is a very down to earth, friendly person, who seems to find joy in what ever she is doing. We are happy to have her as part of our family.

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