James Russell Wernicke

James Russell Wernicke June 20, 1924 - August 28, 2018 ELKHART- James Russell Wernicke, 94, of Elkhart, joined his wife Helen in the hands of the Lord on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. He was born June 20, 1924 in Elkhart, Indiana the son of Robert and Inez (Barthel) Wernicke. He was married to Helen Louise Klein on February 22, 1948. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. James was the sole proprietor of Wernicke Service Heating and Air Conditioning business he retired in 1989. James was a proud veteran of World War II, serving as a sergeant in the infantry. He saw action at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was injured twice during combat and is the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. James was very active with his two sons in the Boy Scouts and was an inspiration to them in their achievement of Eagle Scout. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and in retirement traveled extensively in the U.S. including two trips to Alaska. James was a devout Christian and a member of the Jamestown United Methodist Church, Jimtown, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen, and a brother Charles. He is survived by sons, Steven Wernicke (Barb) of Wheaton, Illinois and Douglas Wernicke (Michelle) of The Villages, Florida and Hope, Michigan, grandchildren Chad Wernicke (Silvia) of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Marci Plahutnik (Tom) of Midland, Michigan, Evelyn Roderich (Eric) of Henderson, Nevada and Andrew Wernicke of North Aurora, Illinois. He is also survived by six great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Lois Wernicke of Swannonoa, North Carolina, sister-in-law, Norma Eash of Indianapolis, Indiana, sister-in-law Gail Klein of Ravenna Ohio, and very special friends, Henry and Deb Harris of Elkhart, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday September 4, 2018 at the Jamestown United Methodist Church. Pastor Steve Loft will preside. Friends may visit with the family for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola where the US Army Honor Guard and the Osceola American Legion will render military honors. Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Jamestown United Methodist Church, 59218 C.R. 3, Elkhart, Indiana 46517. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Russell Wernicke please visit our Sympathy Store.

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