WEHRLI – Hans Rudolph (Rudy) Wehrli, 97, a resident of Gilbert AZ since 1996, died Wednesday, November 17th, 1921. Rudy was born in Manhattan, NY on December 4, 1923, son of Gotthold Wehrli and Hedwig Marie Stocker. Rudy turned 18 just 3 days before Pearl Harbor, so was immediately in line with many other patriots to volunteer for Military Service the morning of December 8th. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War 2. Rudy met his bride Norma Griffiths while stationed at Hill Field Air Force Base in Utah.
After leaving the service, he studied at the New York Culinary Arts School and was a pastry chef with his dad in New York. They loved the west, so moved to Idaho before joining The Fuller Brush Company. Rudy rose through the ranks from a part time Fullerette to Executive Vice President of Sale at the home office in Hartford, CN. After retirement, Rudy joined TTI, then started his own company RT Industrial Video in Burbank, CA.
As evidenced by his daily enthusiasm, Rudy was a member of the Optimist Club, and known for his Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah signature song. Always willing to smile and laugh at himself, he was known for his “no problem” philosophy of life. He was a prolific poet and wrote his own autobiography. Rudy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership positions including Bishop of the Woodland Hills CA Ward and Patriarch in the San Fernando, CA stake and Gilbert AZ stake for over 30 years. Rudy and Norma served two missions in the Swiss Temple where Rudy was in the Temple presidency.
Rudy and Norma loved adventure and started out their fun with the Harper Street Snackers who would boat at Lake Powell, then went on to travel the globe. They loved to Cruise, but especially loved returning to Rudy’s family roots in Switzerland.
He is survived by his children Donald (Jeri) Wehrli, Larry (Jeanne) Wehrli, Linda Gallacher, Susan (David) Minson, and Lisa (Scott) Clark, 34 grandchildren, and 78 great grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews. Rudy is preceded in death by his sweetheart of 73 years Norma Griffiths, his brother Walter (Patricia) Wehrli, son in law D. Lincoln Gallacher and Grandchildren Wendy Ann (Wehrli) Hauteur, John David Minson, Daniel Clark, Jefferson Eugene Hooper, Ronalee Sue Hooper, and Great Grandson Nate Wehrli.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 4th at 10:00 a.m. at the Gilbert Stake Center, 777 E Elliott Rd, Gilbert AZ, 85234
Viewings will be on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker Mortuary, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213 and on Saturday from 9:00am to 9:30am.at the Gilbert Stake Center.
Interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Dear Wehrli family, My condolences at your loss. When I remember Bro Wehrli I remember his big smile and that wonderful, optimistic attitude. I know Dad will be happy to see him on “the other side” after you father greets his family. Dad always considered him a close friend and a wonderful example. Blessings to you.
My sincere condolences to the family
My sympathy to all the family. I have many happy memories of Brother Wehrli—he always made me smile with his quick wit. Such a good man and great example. What a legacy he leaves. Praying for comfort for all of you.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Rudy. I remember the wedding of Mom and Dad at their home in Holladay. All of the swimming parties in their backyard, and who can’t forget his strawberry shortcake.
I am sure that a great celebration was going on November 17 in haven.
I’m so sorry for the loss of dear Brother Wehrli. What a wonderful, loving, energetic, praiseworthy, adorable man! I’ll never forget how beautifully he and Norma entertained me when I visited them in Switzerland during the time they served in the temple there. They served a wonderful Swiss cheese dish called Raclette. Thanks for being such a beautiful example to me and all who knew you!💕
Such great memories of your family growing up. Wishing you all peace and comfort
We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Wehrli family. We enjoyed knowing Rudy and Norma for a few years while living in the Silver Creek Ward in Gilbert. He was always a bright light to everyone. We especially enjoyed his happy sense of humor and the love and kindness he consistently showed to others.
My family enjoyed so many years of friendship with the Wherli’s. We are so blessed to know Rudy’s twinkle in his eye that matched a joke in his head. We’ll miss him bunches. Our love to the whole Wherli family who will have to wait too long to be with Rudy again.
Such a wonderful man. Such a wonderful example. An amazing family. Rudy’s impact spans the globe with so many people touched by his life and service. We love your family!
Brother Wehrli was such a warn wonderful and supportive man. I knew him as a child and young man in Woodland Hills and he was always so supportive of our scouting, priesthood and missionary efforts. My condolences to the family.
Our heartfelt condolences to all your family! Rudy was such a loving and caring Uncle to the whole family. We have such fond memories of dinners and get togethers at their home.
How we loved and will miss this wonderful “zippidy do dah man”. He always was whistling or singing that song. He was our home teacher for over 15 years. He would come with his bride Norma and we all would go to Pei “Wei for salad. After dinner we would go back to their home for ice cream. We shared many stories and memories of their life together. Such an example of what love and marriage is all about! Our love and prayers go out to the family. May the memories you shared bring peace and happy thoughts to your heart.
So grateful for the love Rudy showed to everyone and how welcome he made us all feel. He was a great example of how to love others, especially his sweet wife. I will always remember their home, the parties, and Sunday dinners followed by the Wonderful World of Disney in color. May the Lord continue to bless your families, you are in our hearths and prayers.
Jeff and Mary Ann (Griffiths) Liljenquist