Jack Leeland Wehrle, 84, of Burlington, died at 10:01 AM Saturday, December 8, 2018, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. Born August 7, 1934, he was the son of Walter and Anna Hoffman Wehrle. On November 22, 1959, he married Mary Joann Clemens at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.
Jack touched many lives during his 32 year career in education, becoming many people’s favorite principal. He worked for several schools in the Burlington Community School District, holding many titles throughout, ending his career as principal of Burlington High School. His influence was so well recognized, BHS named their library after him.
He was inducted into the Burlington Community School District Hall of Honor in 2002. After retiring from education, he worked for ADDS for 20 plus years. Jack dedicated over 50 years of his life to serving his community, and he was a mentor to many, and made a positive impression on people of all walks of life.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran, and was stationed in Germany during his time in the service. He was of Catholic faith and was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. He was a former City Councilman and member of the Burlington Municipal Waterworks board.
He was passionate about education and loved to work with kids, even spending his summers teaching. Jack was a people person, he loved small children and holding babies. He loved traveling, especially to Europe even visiting where he was stationed, and enjoyed family vacations to the Ozarks and Wisconsin Dells.
He liked music, going to Steamboat Days concerts and reading war stories. Survivors include his wife, Joann of Burlington; four sons, Tony (Dana) Wehrle of Rock Island, IL, John (Laura) Wehrle of Burlington, Eric (Amy) Wehrle of Tampa, FL, and Patrick (Amy) Wehrle of Fort Madison; two daughters, Ann (John) Carl and Maria (Mark) Brockway both of Burlington; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roger (Susan) Wehrle of Jacksonville, FL, and Jay “Pete” Wehrle of Mount Pleasant; five sisters, Betty Ensminger of Mount Pleasant, Kay (Jack) Behmer of Urbandale, IA, Diane (Bob) Olazek of Plainfield, IL, Elizabeth Kerr of Mount Pleasant, and Ginny (Jim) Ritchey of Burlington; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Shirley Wehrle.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends following a 4:30 PM Rosary Service until 7:00 PM Thursday, December 13, 2018, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Wehrle will be 10:00 AM Friday, December 14, 2018, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington with Very Rev.
Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Burlington.
Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the parish hall at SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
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