Derek Wehner Obituary

Derek Alan Wehner passed away August 11th, 2015, at the Valley Inn where he lived the last four months of his life. He was 48.

Derek was born April 3rd, 1967 in Toledo, Ohio to Leo (Pete) and Carol Wehner. The family moved to Durango in 1971. Derek graduated from Durango High School and obtained his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice in 1989. He then served in the Army and was honorably discharged. He married Tracy Bentz on May 17th, 1996. The marriage later ended in divorce.

Derek began working as a Sheriff's Deputy for La Plata County in 1996. He continued his career there until his medical disability retirement due to M.S. in August 2004. He was a volunteer in the Rafter J Fire District and the Upper Pine District. He was active in the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene.

He is survived by son John Wehner, 18; daughter Willow Wehner, 12; step-son Riki Tsethlikai, 24; ex-wife Tracy Brown; parents Leo and Carol Wehner; brother Craig Wehner; grandmother, Marguerite Gould; and all of Bayfield & Durango, CO.

Derek's unwavering faith and deep love for his children carried him through his more than twelve year battle with multiple sclerosis. Derek requested there be no services and that his ashes be placed at one of his favorite places. Memorial contributions for Derek Wehner may be made to La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 S. Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81303.