John Herman Wehrenberg Jr. | Eastern NC Now

    Mr. John Herman Wehrenberg, Jr., age 81, a resident of Washington, NC passed away on Tuesday August 27, 2024, at ECU Health Inpatient Hospice in Greenville.

    A celebration of his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday September 1, 2024, at Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Cassidy Salter. The family will receive friends following the service at the church fellowship hall.

    John was born in New Hanover County on February 19, 1943, son of the late John H. Wehrenberg, Sr. and the late Annie Mae Brandon Wehrenberg. He spent his childhood with his parents on their farm in Cluster Springs, VA. It was there that he learned the value of a hard day's work, the importance of family gatherings, and how to get into all kinds of trouble with his siblings and cousins. Following high school, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. After his service to his country, he married the former Nila Jean Stevens who survives him after fifty-six years of marriage. During his marriage he attended Virginia Tech, where he received a degree in forestry that led him and his wife to Liberia, Africa where he worked for Firestone in the early 1970's. His devotion to his alma mater is lovingly displayed in hues of orange and maroon throughout his man cave and on his bucket hats that he was known for wearing.

    His profession of forestry brought him to Washington, NC where he worked until retirement for Weyerhaeuser and Weyerhaeuser Real Estate. He always said he had the best job in the world because he was able to stomp around in the woods all day.

    Later in life, John spent many hours bowling, playing chess with his buddies in the Washington Chess Club, watching movies, teaching Sunday School, hiking the highest points in thirty-one states, being an Appalachian Trail Taxi Man, and vacationing with family. He was a member of Wares Chapel United Methodist Church.

    He leaves behind many fond memories in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories, his infectious laugh, and his adventurous spirit.

    Mr. John will long be remembered for his love of family, the outdoors, involvement in local politics and his volunteer work in the community

    Surviving along with his loving wife Nila of the home are his daughters: Denise Wehrenberg León and husband Jose, and Dawn Wehrenberg Landen and husband Mike; brothers: Sam Wehrenberg and wife Phyllis, and David Wehrenberg and wife Amy; grandchildren: Callie Barbieri and her husband Chris, Kennedy Landen, John Carlos Leon, Ana Leon, and Jose Leon, Jr.

    In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Eagle's Wings Food Pantry or Disabled Veterans of America, two organizations he felt strongly about.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve John's family