Wayne "Weiner" Richard Vehrenkamp, age 71, of rural Ettrick, died on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse.

Wayne was born on December 12, 1951 in LaCrosse to Richard and Darlene (Gibbs) Vehrenkamp.

Wayne attended elementary school in Hegg and Blair.  He graduated from the Blair High School in 1970 where he was a four sports letterman.  After graduation he attended the Barron County Campus and the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.

Wayne owned and operated Weiner's Bar in Ettrick from 1979 – 2019 where he made many lifelong friends. Wayne was a military veteran and was a member of the Runnerstrand-Pederson American Legion Post #354.

Wayne was active in the Ettrick community, the Ettrick Lion's Club, youth sports and played and sponsored men's fast pitch softball. He was an avid sports fan of high school, college and professional sports.

Wayne was a lifelong member of the North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church and served on the council.

Wayne is survived by his brothers and sisters, Steven "Willie" (Tammy) Vehrenkamp of Hegg,
Wanda Vehrenkamp of Osseo, Joye (Scott) Hanson of Blair, Jay (Linda) Vehrenkamp of Blair and Scott Vehrenkamp of Hegg; six nieces and nephews, Josh, Leah, Katie, Joe, Abby and Will; an aunt, Marilyn Bagniewski; several great-nieces and great-nephews and many cousins.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a niece, Jacky Hanson.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. in the North Beaver Creek  Lutheran Church (Brick building) in rural Ettrick with burial in the church cemetery.  Pastor Paul Sannerud will officiate.  Military rites will be conducted by the Runnestrand-Pederson American Legion Post #354.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 3-7 p.m. in the North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church (Brick building) in rural Ettrick and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Ettrick or Blair-Taylor youth sports programs or the organization of your choice.