John Wernly

John M. Wernly, 91 years, of Monroe, MI passed away Friday, October 19, 2012 at 12:00 noon in his home surrounded by his loving family and under the tender care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. Born July 2, 1921 in Cheney, Washington, John was the son of the late Alexander and Minnie (Turk) Wernly. John served his country honorably and proudly during WWII in the US Army. John served from October 23, 1942 until his discharge on March 17, 1946. For his heroism he received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. On October 25, 1947, John married his beloved wife the former Annabelle L. Barton in Monroe, MI. Sadly, she preceded him in death on October 16, 2011 after 64 years of marriage. John was employed as a hi-lo driver at Union Camp in Monroe until his retirement in 1977. John was a life Member of the VFW Post #4126 in Mio, MI and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church while living in Monroe. A lover of northern Michigan, John moved to Mio in 1987. He then moved back to Monroe to live with his son and daughter in law Melvin and Sue for the past three years. John enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren and his Knuckle Buddies: Caden, Nicky, Travis and Seth. John is survived by his loving son and daughter in law, whom he made his home with, Melvin J. and Sue Wernly of Monroe and two cherished grandchildren; Steven and Kaitlyn Wernly. In addition to his wife, and father, John was preceded in death by his mother and step father, whom raised him, Minnie and Michael Vaino and a sister, Doris Hecht. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 11:00 AM. Sister Kate O’Brien, Chaplain, Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors.