Richard Isaac Wernecke

Richard Isaac Wernecke was born on November 29th, 1926 in Harriettsville Ohio to Ralph and Bessie Wernecke. First cousin to famous Ohio State Buckeye football coach Woody Hayes. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert (Mary). Richard is survived by his lovely wife Irene with whom he shared 72 wonderful years along with his brothers Clyde (Madeline), Mark (Judy), and his sister Mae (Wayne) deceased. He is also survived by his two sons Bruce (Melanie) and Dale (Barbara), grandsons Chase, Chad (Patricia), Marc (Brittany), and Scott (Ashleigh) great grandsons Sullivan, Cade, Nolan, along with many nieces and nephews. Richard and the family moved to Canton Ohio in 1944, later joining the occupation forces in Japan after the war in the Pacific. Throughout his life, Richard held many jobs. First, at Sugardale Provisions as a truck driver, next for Monarch Rubber as a supervisor, lastly as a bus driver for the city of Phoenix when he and Irene made their move out west in 1979. Richard would spend his remaining years in Arizona with his lovely wife Irene. Celebrating wedding anniversaries, lazy days golfing and swimming at the Country Meadows Country Club with the grandsons during the summers. Richard was an avid bowler and golfer only if he was having a good day on the course. Many broken clubs resulted from bad days on the back nine. He also enjoyed days at home; Richard would spend his time watching Westerns, especially John Wayne or sports on TV in his favorite faded brown recliner, which he would lean back to see the door when he heard the front doorbell ring. Richard and Irene spent many Sundays as members of First Christian Church becoming regulars among the congregation. On Wednesday April 15th 2020, Richard passed away at Sun Valley Lodge. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25th 2020 at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary at 200 W Beardsley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027 at 10:00 am.