Edwin Dean Wernsing

 

Edwin Dean Wernsing, 79, of Litchfield, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.

“Big Ed” was born Oct. 24, 1945, in Litchfield to Burrell and Melvina (Steinmann) Wernsing.

He married the former Patricia A. Beeler in Litchfield on May 25, 1974.

He attended Zion Lutheran School and graduated from LHS in 1963. He attended the University of Illinois in Champaign and later worked at Fiat-Allis. He joined his father in business at the Wernsing Appliance store, which has been in “Beautiful Downtown Litchfield” for 66 years.

He was involved in the Litchfield community, serving in Jaycees and Rotary Clubs, played Santa, announced the Old Settlers Parade and Veiled Non-Profit Ceremony. He had been a member of Litchfield Planning Commission since 1984, Litchfield’s Citizen of the Year in 2008, and the Veiled Non-Profit in 2022. He was also a member of Brand Source Buying Group since 1992. He served on many professional boards and was named Dealer of the Year in 2005. As a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, he served on various boards and as an usher.

Ed was a St. Louis Blues Hockey fan; he had attended games since 1968. He enjoyed seeing the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019.

Ed is survived by his wife; son, Douglas (Michelle, nee Leefers) Wernsing of Litchfield; grandsons, Landon Paul and Carter Dean Wernsing of Litchfield; brother, Darrel (Karen) Wernsing of Mt. Pulaski; several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Judy Wernsing, Jennifer Wernsing, Elizabeth Wernsing, Katherine Yaple, Jonathon Wernsing, Nelson Wernsing, Dale Garard, Roy Steinmann, Jim Walch, Don Walch; several great and great-great nephews; brothers-in-law, Jim (Carol) Beeler, Bill (Sue) Beeler, Paul (Marsha) Beeler, Dan (Cindy) Beeler; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Larry) Boston, Linda (Russ) Poggenpohl and Sara (Grant Hoffman) Pennock.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Ralph and Lucille Beeler, and daughter, Alexis, who passed in 2015.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer officiated. Visitation was held on Sunday, May 18, at the church.

Donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, or to the Alexis Wernsing Innovation Memorial at the U of I.

Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To sign the online guest book, light a virtual candle, or to find directions, visit plummerfuneralservices.com.