Ralph Ernest Wehnes, Jr., 87, of Huntley, died peacefully September 29, 2026, at his home with his faithful dog, Liberty, by his side.
Ralph was born July 22, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Ralph E. and Louise (Eugster) Wehnes. He graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1957 and Western Illinois University in 1962. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. Ralph spent more than 40 years selling farm equipment for Allis-Chalmers, Deutz-Allis and AGCO. On March 4, 1972, he married the love of his life, Susan Huebl.
Ralph's faith was an important part of his life, and he was actively involved in every Lutheran church to which he belonged. At Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, he was instrumental in creating, building and maintaining the Memory Garden, a place that remained especially meaningful to him.
Ralph truly never met a stranger. He had an extraordinary ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met and, before long, find something they had in common. He worked part time at DeFiore Funeral Home, where he became a beloved member of a team that considered him family and affectionately called him "Ralphie."
He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing poker and was a member of the computer club. Always social and involved, Ralph organized many neighborhood events and enjoyed bringing people together. He was hardworking, devoted to his faith and embraced life with enthusiasm. Above all, Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ralph is survived by his children, Dody Wehnes and Ralph (Wendy) Wehnes III; his grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) Jomant and Ralph (Lauren) Wehnes IV; and his cherished great-granddaughters, Olivia, Gracie and Oakley. He is also survived by his sister, Elousie "Sis" Gavin, and brother, Gary (Loraine) Wehnes.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife, Susie.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, with visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church Memory Garden.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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My deepest sympathy to all of the family. I will miss my brother-in-law tremendously. He was a great person.
Dody, I am sorry for your loss. I hope you have some comfort knowing that you have your own special angel looking down on you from Heaven.
We loved you Ralph, th "mayor" of neighborhood 28 . Thank you you for your kindness!!!!
We lost a very bright candle in our world but so thankful that his light will shine forever for all of us that knew him. He touched each of us.
Ralph was a great great person. He always stopped by us at church and gave us hugs. Another Angel above.
Ralph was a great great person. He always stopped by us at church and gave us hugs. Another Angel above.
Deepest sympathy to all of the family. Ralph was a very caring, faithful member of SOTP and a friend to all!
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. My sincere condolences. Ralph will be missed at the computer club. Always friendly and willing to assist people needing help.
My condolences to the family of ralph. Prayers to all the children and family. Ralph become a good friend of mine through the years ive been working with him, im ganna miss you buddy. šššš
With deepest sympathy to the family, So sorry for your loss and ours. Ralph was a great person who we got to call a friend. He was the first person we met in neighborhood 28. Always willing to help with anything. He will be greatly missed Iām sure a seat at the poker table was open when he got to heaven.
You touched so many lives with your spirit and kindness. Our sincere sympathy to your family.