Obituaries

Bernard “Bernie” Martin Wehrmeyer, of Covington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 84. Bernie was a proud Northern Kentucky native and a man who lived life with a servent heart, a strong sense of humor, and, above all, a gift for gab.

Bernie proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a long and successful career with Procter & Gamble, where he worked for more than 30 years. During his career, Bernie was awarded a patent for absorbent pad structure designed primarily for disposable diapers—a unique accomplishment that reflected his creativity and ingenuity.

Outside of work, Bernie had many passions. He loved golf, cheering for the Cincinnati Reds, University of Kentucky basketball, time with the ROMEOs and, of course, talking. Bernie could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and could turn a quick hello into a story, a laugh, and a much longer conversation than anyone expected. His stories, opinions, humor, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed.

Bernie was also a man of service and community. He proudly served on the Park Hills City Council for many years and was a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found fellowship, purpose, and the opportunity to help and support others. His commitment to serving his community and giving back to those around him was an important part of his life.

One of the roles Bernie especially loved was playing Santa for the Steffen family Christmas. Dressed as Santa, he brought laughter, excitement, and a little Christmas magic to the family year after year. It was a role that suited Bernie perfectly—he loved making people smile, telling a good story, and being at the center of a gathering.

Bernie will be remembered for his love of America, his passion for sports, his sense of humor, his stories, and his ability to make a lasting impression on everyone he met. His voice and his unmistakable gift for conversation will be missed by all who loved him.

Bernie is survived by his son, Matthew Bernard Wehrmeyer and his wife, Alicia O’Bryant; his daughter, Beth Marie LaBelle and her husband, Ryan LaBelle; and his grandchildren, Kerrick Turner, Logan Gardner, Drew LaBelle, and Melinda LaBelle. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Steffen; nephews, Mark (Kim) Steffen and John (Angie) Steffen; nieces, Judy (Steve) Hoffman and Laura (Steve) Saunders; and numerous extended family members and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Marcella Wehrmeyer; his sister, Ruthie Wehrmeyer; and his brother-in-law, Jack Steffen.

Visitation will be held at Mother of God Church in Covington, Kentucky, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following. Burial will take place at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bernie’s memory to Carmel Manor in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.

To share a story about Bernie or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.