Bernadine L. “Bert” Wehrs, age 86, of Bangor, Wisconsin, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by the love and gratitude of her family and the many memories she helped create throughout a life marked by devotion, creativity, and faith.
Born on November 3, 1939, in Sparta, Wisconsin, Bert was the daughter Fredrick and Charlotte (Schiller) Youncke, parents who instilled in her the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. She attended elementary school at the Striped School in Burns Valley and later graduated from Bangor High School in 1957. During her school years, she was active and accomplished, serving as a majorette during her junior and senior years, appearing in class plays, and serving on prom court for her junior prom. She also worked on the school newspaper, was a member of the forensics team for three years, and advanced to State Forensics during her junior year. In 1957, she was crowned Westby Snowflake Queen, an honor that reflected the grace and spirit she carried throughout her life.
Following high school, Bert began working at the First National Bank of Bangor from 1957 to 1960. On May 16, 1959, she married Larry Wehrs in Bangor, and together they built a marriage and partnership that lasted a lifetime. Their honeymoon took them on an unforgettable journey to the Grand Canyon, Hollywood, Sequoia National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Black Hills, and the Badlands, beginning a lifetime of shared adventure and travel. Bert and Larry owned and operated Wehrs Chevrolet in Bangor, where Bert worked faithfully alongside Larry and managed the Wehrs Oasis Restaurant in the dealership for many years. She also enjoyed bowling with the Wehrs Chevrolet team for many years, adding friendship and fun to the many responsibilities she carried with such dedication.
Bert and Larry shared a deep love of racing and travel. In 1968, she traveled to Daytona for the start of Dave and Helen Marcis’ 30-year NASCAR racing career. The couple owned a racecar and spent many years traveling to the Minnesota State Fair, where they celebrated the thrill of competition and the excitement of the sport. They were especially proud when Jim Sauter drove the Wehrs Chevrolet car to victory in the North Star 500 in 1971. They also attended the USAC race in Kaukauna where Dave Marcis won. Racing remained an important part of their lives, and they attended races in Bristol, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Riverside, California. Locally, Bert managed the concessions for La Crosse Interstate Speedway from 1970 to 1986 and for Dells Motor Speedway from 1976 to 1991. Her work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep things running smoothly made her an essential part of every venture she touched.
Bert also enjoyed the many travel opportunities that came through Chevrolet and Allis Chalmers reward trips, which took her to London, Paris, and Switzerland. She took a cruise from the Bahamas to New York City that passed by the Statue of Liberty, and she enjoyed visiting Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Detroit, and Miami. She also loved trips to Disney World and many semi rides to North and South Dakota delivering used trucks, including memorable stops at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. She embraced each adventure with enthusiasm and curiosity, and she treasured the experiences she shared with Larry over the years.
A Christian woman, Bert lived her faith in the way she cared for others and in the warmth she brought into every room. She was known as a loving, creative, and faithful woman who found joy in entertaining family, friends, and neighbors. She hosted the annual company Christmas party at their home for many years before it was moved to the American Legion, and she also welcomed guests for her 25th class reunion, the Farmers State Bank Board of Directors Parties, and countless gatherings for friends over the years. She enjoyed the Wehrs Machine and Racing Parts events at the La Crosse Center and took pride in creating memorable occasions for others.
Bert was a hard worker and a wonderful cook, and she was affectionately known as the “last pack horse” because of her strength, determination, and willingness to do whatever was needed. She loved animals and had many dogs over the years; she cared for her African Grey parrot Sydney for over 38 years; and she also fed the deer that came near her home. She was a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and enjoyed watching tennis. Over the years, she attended many concerts and shows, with some of her most memorable being Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Rogers. Her favorite song was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, a fitting reflection of the life she lived with independence, grace, and quiet strength.
Bert also had a remarkable eye for interior design. During a trip to North Carolina, she toured the Biltmore Estate, and when the new car dealership was built, she designed the living space on the second floor, including painting a tiger and an old car on the walls of the home. She also designed both of their homes in Bangor, the first in 1995 and the home next door in 2006. In addition, she worked for several years designing floral bouquets with Florence Chapiewski in her flower shop, where her creativity and sense of beauty were evident in all she did.
She is survived by her husband, Larry; her five children, Scott (Pamela) Wehrs of Bangor, Karla (Tom) Thurk of Bangor, Kasha Wehrs of La Crosse, Chad (Brenda) Wehrs of West Salem, and Shane (Shanna) Wehrs of Bangor; a daughter-in-law, Kelly Wehrs of Sparta, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren, Desiree, Daphne, Allyson, Mariah, Austin, Karyn, Kayla, Dylan, Mason, and Camden; and six great-grandchildren: Waycee, Wylie, Jett, Kyler, Charlie, and Tommy. She is also survived by very special friends Al and Joann Servais. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Barry.
Bernadine “Bert” Wehrs will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her strong work ethic, her creativity, and her generous spirit. She lived a full and meaningful life, and those who knew her will long cherish the love, laughter, and steadfast presence she brought to so many.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor. Pastor Brock Groth will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00am until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Burns Cemetery.
A special thanks goes out to the Mayo Staff and Pastor Brock Groth.
Thank you for the good times!!!!
Fossum Funeral Home
