Brian Lee Wehde

Brian Lee Wehde, 81 of Newark, Illinois passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Brian was born May 9, 1941 in Holstein, Iowa to Gus and Marcella Wehde and was the eldest of seven children born to that union.

He spent his early years in Early, Iowa graduating from Crestland high school in 1959. Brian continued his education at Commercial Extension in Omaha, Nebraska acquiring an Associate's Degree in Business. While attending college in Omaha, Brian met the love his life, Janice Auen. They married in April 1962 and built a beautiful life, raising 5 children, Renee, Mathew, Marie, Steven, Mark. Brian's successful career moved him and his family from Omaha, to Arkansas, Des Moines and finally to Chicago where Brian retired from Smurfit Stone Container's corporate office. Brian was a manager of a large transportation team and head of purchasing for Smurfit at the time of his retirement.

Brian's wife Janice passed away unexpectantly in December 1991. Brian married Kirsten Jennings and became the beloved father of their son, Zachary Wehde.

Brian was what one would call a creative enthusiast. He had a passion for golfing, fishing, hunting, music, bowling, traveling, and racing. The past few years, drag racing with his sons Steven, Mark and Zachary was a favorite topic of conversation. Visits from his children, grandchildren, family and friends made his world wonderful. He loved the outdoors and sharing these times with his family and many friends. Brian had a passion for life and lived every day to the fullest. ''The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's going to be a great day" was a message he professed to many. Brian often spoke of his full and blessed life, his amazing family and career, and his many true and wonderful friends.

Brian is survived by his long time love, Pam Genslinger and her daughters Michelle Perry and Bridget Petersen; his loving children; Steven (Kris) Wehde, Zachary Wehde, Marie (Bill) Wehde, and daughter in laws Laura (Montuori) Wehde; his cherished grandchildren Rebecca Nichols, Roger Jr. Nichols, Robyn Nichols, Jordon Wehde, Stephen Wehde, Averie Wehde, Raegan Wehde, Angelina Van Pelt, Alexa Van Pelt, Sarah Wehde, Kyle Montuori, Jacob Estoll, and Vincent Wehde, brother Brad (Val) Wehde, sisters Bonnie (Paul) Saenz and Beth Martin.

Brian is preceded in death by his wife Janice Wehde, parents Gus and Marcella Wehde, his children Renee Nichols, Mathew Wehde and Mark Wehde, brothers Bruce Wehde, Brett Wehde and Brooks Wehde, nephews Benjamin Remington and Dustin Wehde, and niece Brianne Martin.

Brian will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many he touched throughout his life. Brian was loved by many! His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

There will be a celebration of life: Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 1-4pm at the Yorkville Moose Lodge, 1502 N. Bridge St. Yorkville, Illinois. Please join family and friends in celebration and remembrance of Brian's life.

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