Robert Emerson Wernz

Robert Emerson Wernz passed away January 14, 2020 at the age of 94. Born on November 1, 1925 near West Union, Illinois to Stacy and Fern Wernz, he grew up in the heart of the Great Depression. During WWII, Bob (as many called him) was asked to work in the dynamite factory in Kankakee. When the war was over, he came home, bought a tractor and a hay baler and went back to work farming, which he did for over 70 years. In 1948, he married Dorothea Bumpus, and she survives. They celebrated their 71st Anniversary last December. Bob and Dorothea had five boys and a girl. John and Linda Wernz of West Union, Don and Mona Wernz of West Union, Les and Karen Wernz of Hutsonville, Barbara and John Webster of West Union, Mark and Joy Wernz of Robinson; and Chris Wernz. Bob and Dorothy were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and spouses(Tabi and Mike Knecht, Dustin and Julia Wernz, Kindal and Mike Kivisto, Joy and Sean Yen, True Wernz, Jaryd and Brittney Webster, Dylan and Amanda Webster, Paige Webster, Nathan Wernz and Luke Wernz); 5 great grandchildren and spouses (Dakota and Sam Murphy, Kienan and Harli Knecht, Alex Wernz, AJ Wernz, and Sam Wernz); and 1 great great grandchild(Atlas Knecht). Bob was preceded in death by one son, Chris Wernz; one granddaughter, Kindal Wernz Kivisto; two brothers, Joe and Harold Wernz; two sister-in-laws, Lucille Wernz and Jean Buckner, one brother-in-law Richard Bumpus; his in-laws Neal and Mildred Bumpus; and his parents, Stacy and Fern Wernz. Bob and Dorothy worked together for decades, and they also enjoyed going to the West Union Cafe and the Clark County Antique Power Club for many years. Bob loved talking to people, and he always had a story to share about farming, the stock market, tractors, or area history. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17th at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18th at the funeral home with Pastor Nathan Allcorn officiating. Burial will be in the Ohio Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Ohio Cemetery" or the "Clark County Antique Power Club" for their scholarship fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home.