Luke L. Wehler

Luke L. Wehler, 86, of 334 South Ridge Road died suddenly Wednesday morning at home.

He was born February 26, 1933 in St. Marys, son of the late Jost and Anna Caskey Wehler

On June 21, 1952 he married Kathleen (Katty) Erich. They raised three daughters Joan Sadley (Daniel), of Sanford Florida; Robin Hoffman (James) of St. Marys and Penny Jacobs (Thomas) of West Seneca, New York and five sons Richard (Lori), Gerald (Mary Jo), Timothy (Donna), Scott (Lynn), all of St. Marys and Thomas (Carla) of Benezette. 

He was co-founder and operated local businesses including Fairview Sintered Metals, Inc. Kersey; Elcam Tool and Die in Truman and St. Marys Machine Company. In early years he worked at Powder Metal Products and Pure Carbon Company.

Luke was always busy and had a passion for many hobbies. He enjoyed building and working on his street rods, restoring antique cash registers and collecting various collectibles. He was a master at woodworking and made many beautiful furniture pieces. He loved listening to country music, watching old western movies and going to the casino in Salamanca, New York.

He had been in failing health the past several years and suffered from dementia. His family and friends will remember the husband, father, brother and friend they knew and loved prior to his illness as well as his struggles of the past several years. 

Luke is also survived by one brother, Ivan Wehler of St. Marys, three sisters, Velma O’Dell, Verna (Bruno) Pelleschi, of St. Marys and Corda Gray of Benezette. Seven Granddaughters, Michelle Vaiarella, Melanie Francher, Veronica Wehler, Amanda Fisher, Lynette Meyer, Tiffany Konstabel and Erica Wehler and 10 grandsons, Justin, Curtis, Travis, Bruce, Ryan, Randy, Greg, Corey and T.J. Wehler and Jesse Konstable and 10 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother James Wehler of St. Marys, two sisters Grace Wurm and Irma Schatz; and three great granddaughters, Payton, Presley and Paxton Vaiarella and one great grandson Ryder Wehler.

There will be no visitation.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (May 14, 2019) at 10:00 AM at St. Marys Catholic Church with Father Alfred Paterson, O.S.B. as Celebrant.. 

Arrangements are being handled through Barnett Funeral Home, Emporium.