John Wehrman

John Richard (Dick) Wehrman, 92, was born the second son of C.E. and Florence Wehrman in Nelson, in 1929. He died at home in Elbert, Colorado, on June 5, 2022.

Dick grew up farming and graduated from high school in Nelson, where he met his wife, Ruth (Janssen). They moved to Colorado in 1954, where they raised their three children: John, Jim and Beth. Dick was a machinist by trade. He opened his own shop in the early 70s, which he owned and successfully operated for 20 years, until he retired. Dick led the family on camping and Jeep trips in the mountains during the summers. He was also a recreational pilot. He and Ruth logged 1,500 hours in his Cessna, Charlie, including trips to Alaska, New York and down the coast of California. They retired on acreage in rural Elbert. After Ruth's death, Dick married Karen (Johnson) in 2003. They enjoyed a good life together for nearly 19 years. In his later years, Dick was most at home on his tractor, mowing, raking and baling hay for his granddaughter's horses. Sharing his love for tractors with his great-grandson was a joy for both.

Dick was an active member in his communities, he served as the volunteer fire chief for Roxborough Volunteer Fire Department, as the community representative on the Accountability Committee of the local school district, as board member for the Eastern Colorado Council of Government and as an elder of the Presbyterian church.

Dick was a man of integrity, honesty, and both physical and emotional strength. He had a great deal of courage and confidence. People in the congregations where he worshipped enjoyed his leadership, his way of reading scripture and narration, his sense of humor and his hugs. Dick was well read, extremely bright and knowledgeable.

His funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 25, at the United Methodist Church in Elizabeth, Colo. A graveside service for the family. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Dick's name can be made to the United Methodist Church in Elizabeth, 255 West Kiowa Ave., Elizabeth, Colo. 80107.