Wayne “Weiner” R. Vehrenkamp

Wayne “Weiner” Richard Vehrenkamp, 71, of rural Ettrick, died Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.

Wayne was born December 12, 1951, in La Crosse to Richard and Darlene (Gibbs) Vehrenkamp. He attended elementary school in Hegg and Blair. Wayne graduated from Blair High School in 1970, where he was a four-sports letterman. After graduation, he attended the Barron County Campus and the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

Wayne owned and operated Weiner’s Bar in Ettrick from 1979 – 2019, where he made many life-long friends. Wayne was a military veteran and was a member of the Runnerstrand-Pederson American Legion Post #354.

Wayne was active in the Ettrick community, the Ettrick Lions Club, youth sports and played and sponsored men’s fast pitch softball. He was an avid sports fan of high school, college and professional sports. Wayne was a life-long member of North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church and served on the council.

Wayne is survived by his brothers and sisters: Steven “Willie” (Tammy) Vehrenkamp of Hegg, Wanda Vehrenkamp of Osseo, Joye (Scott) Hanson of Blair, Jay (Linda) Vehrenkamp of Blair and Scott Vehrenkamp of Hegg; six nieces and nephews: Josh, Leah, Katie, Joe, Abby and Will; an aunt, Marilyn Bagniewski; several great-nieces and great-nephews and many cousins.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a niece, Jacky Hanson.

Memorial services will be held Friday, April 14, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church (Brick building) in rural Ettrick with burial in the church cemetery. Pastor Paul Sannerud will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Runnestrand-Pederson American Legion Post #354.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church (Brick building) in rural Ettrick and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Ettrick or Blair-Taylor youth sports programs or the organization of your choice.