Charles Wernette

Charles “Charlie” “Bub” Wenrette passed away June 2, 2013, he was 91 years old. Charles was born November 15,1921 at home on Huntress Street. His parents, John and Mary (Esslinger) Wernette raised eight children, three sons and five daughters. Charles the youngest boy was valedictorian for his graduating class from Clay Center High School. In 1939 he enlisted in the US Navy. Charles was Chief Boatswains Mate aboard his ship, the U.S.S. Wright which was anchored in Pearl Harbor during the attack. In 2010, Charles attended the Veterans WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. via the Honor Flight with his son, Mike, as his escort. Charles left the Navy to come home and work for his father and sister Florence Marie in the Wernette Photography Studio and also for USPS. Charles married Vera LaRue Gibbs in 1949 and they raised five children. Charles and Vera owned and operated the Wernette Turkey and Pheasant Farm for many years. Charles also worked with his son Mike at American Sealants Co. as well as served on the board of Commissioners in Clay County. Charles was a faithful Catholic his entire life and enjoyed attending morning Mass and ministering to the homebound, he had a gift of faith for everyone. Charles had a wonderful sense of humor, a loving smile, a gentile hand, a heart full of hope and a word of encouragement for everyone. Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and gardening with his family and friends. It gave him a great sense of pleasure to share his many fruits and vegetables with people in the community. Charles loved being with his family and many fishing trips were enjoyed. Camping on the Republican River to Yellowstone, fishing for trout from Missouri to streams in Wyoming and Idaho and Lakes of Canada and Utah as well as houseboat trips to Lake Powell, salmon fishing in Alaska and fishing Milford Lake. Charles enjoyed being on or near the water and found it very peaceful. Charles is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vera LaRue (Gibbs), one son Jon Charles and wife Darlene, two daughters, Monica and Jean, 5 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Marguerite, Lois and Clara, and numerous nieces and nephews. Charles is preceded in death by his youngest son, Guy Kevin, his oldest son, Charles Michael, his parents, brothers, Eugene and John, Sisters Florence Marie and Josephine. Charles was a lifetime member of St’s Peter and Paul Catholic Church, V.F.W., American Legion, U.S.S. Wright WWII Veterans Organization, Knights of Columbus and Retired Federal Civil Service. Respect calls are Wednesday, June 5th from 3:00 to 7:00pm with Rosary at 7:00pm at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, Clay Center. Funeral Mass is Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center. Interment will follow and Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center. Memorials may be given to the Good Shepard Hospice House or SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church c/o the funeral home. Charles took a great deal of pleasure being with his family and friends. He taught us with Hope you have Faith and with Faith anything is possible.