Wilferd (Willy) Christopher Wehner, resident of Lee’s Summit, passed away on August 21st, 2024 at his home, at the age of 98. Wilferd was born September 6th, 1925 in La Gonda Missouri, just outside of Wein, to Peter and Christine Wehner. He was the oldest of three boys including Everett (Bud) and Edwin (Ed). In 1942 Wilferd enlisted in the United States Navy where he was shipped to California for training, and eventually into the Pacific Ocean Theater of Operations on the USS Cacapon during World War II. Upon the war’s end, Wilferd moved back home to Wien where he married Dorothy (Dooter) Rose Kunkel on June 19th, 1946 and spent the next 73 years with her until her death in 2020. Dorothy grew up writing Wilferd’s name in her notebooks before they got married.
Together they raised eight children: Randall Alvin (Melody), Wendell Wilferd, Peter Jaye (Beverly), Gene Fidelius, Zane Paul (Laura), Eva Joan (Kevin), Kent Michael (Debbie), and Lori Marie (Barry). Once married they moved to New Cambria and bought a farm. While working the farm he built a Skelly Oil station and cafe and became a Skelly Oil Jobber, until 1960 when he decided to go into barbering. For the next 28 years, until he retired in 1988, he built a legacy of barbers within his family. He was grandpa to 29 grandchildren, great grandpa to 65, and great great grandpa to 3, not to forget the countless others who referred to him as dad, grandpa, or great grandpa.
From Wien to Macon to Raytown to Bates City to Lee’s Summit he left his mark on every neighbor, every street, and every interaction. Willy was the best. He was confident, strong, focused on work, but lived for his family. He was stubborn and ornery, told stories with his hands, and was always in the middle of every family gathering. Wilferd joins Dorothy, Gene, Wendell and many others in Heaven. He is survived by the rest of his children.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parkinson’s foundation. Services at Our Lady of Presentation in Lee’s Summit, Thursday, August 29th at 10:00am.
The Man, the Myth, the Legend
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 64075 816-690-4441