Obit: Wehrman, Arno Laurence (1923 – 2014)

Contact: betty@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wehrman, Zell, Willis, Volk, Tatalovich, Gehrt, Checky

----Source: Various Wehrmann family members’ remembrances and including wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Wehrman, Arno Laurence (24 NOV 1923– 10 MAR 2014)

Arno L. Wehrman was born on the family farm in the Town of Warner, Clark County, WI; November 24, 1923, son of Otto H. and Elizabeth (Zell) Wehrmann.

An article in the Greenwood Gleaner http://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/2data/52/52061.htm dated April 21, 1938; Arno was confirmed on Friday April 15th. Immanual E & R Church records Arno Lorenz was baptized on May 18, 1924

The 1940 census lists Arno, age 16, working as a farm laborer for his brother, Albert. The census further indicates Arno occupied this residence also in 1935 and had finished his education in the eighth grade.

At the age of 19, February, 1943 Arno joined the Navy to serve his country during WWII. http://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/5data/113/113313.htm He served aboard the ship Henrico, participating in the D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. His war service included the invasion of Okinawa and the operation Magic Carpet, the task of returning veterans of war home to the United States. He was discharged from the Navy in February, 1946.

Arno moved to Milwaukee and started working at Tledyne Wisconsin Motors. After serving his country, Arno returned to work at Tledyne Wisconsin Motors.

On June 6, 1953, Arno was united in marriage to Jane Willis. A family gathering in July, 2012 surprised Arno and Jane with a celebration of their 59th wedding anniversary. Due to ill health, their 60th anniversary was celebrated in their residence.

In July, 2011, Arno was honored by his church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, West Milwaukee as the Veteran of the Month.

Arno passed away on March 10, 2014; at the age of 90, in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Jane, sisters; Gladys Tatalovich, New Berlin WI, Virginia Gehrt, Rib Lake, WI, many nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces.

He was preceded by his mother in 1935, father in 1964, special aunts Bertha Volk (1961), Caroline Volk (1950). Siblings preceding Arno in death, Alma “Mary” Klug (1999), Henry (1997), Ida (1989), Alvin (1997), Albert (1996), Leo (1977), and Marian Checky (1970).

No services were held according to Arno’s wishes. He was laid to rest at the Veterans Cemetery at Union Grove WI. Military honors were accorded. His wife Jane requested the following be added to his marker, “Beloved husband, brother and uncle. In God’s care.” The marker includes his name, life dates and military information.


I, Betty Comstock, am a niece of Arno Wehrman. Arno was one of three siblings of my father, Albert Wehrmann who served our country during WWII. As each Memorial Day and Veterans Day passes I remember and am thankful for the service of my three uncles, as well as other men and women who served our country during this war. War affects the lives of our veterans in many ways. Most of them do not like to talk about their time of service, which was true for all three, Alvin, Leo and Arno Wehrman. They left no children to mourn the loss of these veterans’ lives. As an extended family member, I will work to keep the memory alive of their dedication to their country.