Howard William Wehmas

Howard William Wehmas, 80 years old, of Menahga, MN, died Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at his home with his family at his side. Howard was born on May 13, 1935, the son of David and Mary (Vainio) Wehmas in Wolf Lake Township of rural Becker County. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He was raised on the family farm in the hills of Wolf Lake. As a young man, he was united in marriage to Julia Niemela on July 3, 1955, at Julia's parents' home in Menahga, MN. They made their home in Moorhead, MN, where they raised their four children. Howard worked 21 years for F.C. Hayer and 25 years as the Warehouse Manager for Western Products in Fargo, ND, before retiring to their farm in Menahga in the summer of 2000. Howard enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, fixing things, cutting firewood, playing practical jokes, (loved) his John Deere tractor, sauna, and thoroughly enjoyed watching all of his grandchildren and spending the last 62 "most joyous years of his life" with his honey, Julia. Howard is survived by his wife of 62 joyous years, Julia Wehmas, of Menahga, MN; son Clifford (MaryLou) Wehmas of Menahga, MN; son Jack (Sara) Wehmas of Nevis, MN; daughter Linda Iwen (Randy Bakke) of Park Rapids, MN; daughter Marie (Larry) Haverinen of Menahga, MN; Eleven grandchildren: Jason, Justin, Josh, Terri, Stephenie, Leah, Jessica, Bradley, Matt, Jamie and Alysia. Two brothers: Roy (Evie) Wehmas of the Wolf Lake hills; Kenny (Joy) Wehmas of Ankeny, IA. Twenty-four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Reino Wehmas, brother Urho Vainio, infant great grandson and cousin Harvey Wehmas. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN. Interment will be at Wolf Lake Cemetery.