Ronald Otto Wehling

Ron passed away peacefully on Monday Oct. 3rd, 2022, in the historic home he restored. He was born at the old Oregon City Hospital located one block from his home. He was a man of few words but they were always important, thoughtful or funny. Ron was a devoted family man, a gentleman and a man of principles. He graduated from Oregon City High School in 1961. Ron was a veteran who proudly served in the United States Army. Upon discharge he returned to college and received his Bachelors degree from OCE and later his Masters degrees in Counseling and Education Administration. He met his wife Wanda Donnell in college and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They met when she dropped a stack of papers in the hallway while students were passing between classes. The papers flew in every direction. Only one person stopped to help her pick them up and that was Ron. She bought him a cup of coffee to thank him and the rest is history. He was a devoted and loyal husband who was always by her side, making sure her car was washed and the gas tank filled. His entire career, Ron worked as a counselor, vice principal and principal at North Marion Middle and High Schools. He had great pride in that school community. He was a protector of kids and cared about improving their lives. Know in the neighborhood, Ron was a true Mr. Fix It. Even his sister Judy called him her go to brother when she needed a helping hand. He was fondly known by past neighborhood kids as the guy who taught some of them how to tie their shoes, ride a bike, drive a stick shift or change the oil in their car. He and his brothers Nick, Dennis and Doug shared a love of classic cars, motorcycles, swap meets and auctions. Ron was also an avid gardener who showed neighborhood kids how to pick fresh vegetables from the edges of his gardens. In retirement he spent many years volunteering in Mexico and Guatemala helping children, families and schools in underprivileged communities. He had an adoring family which included daughters Marissa Taylor (Louis) and Heather Peterson (Brian). He was proud to be surrounded by his family of girls and was a patient father who guided his daughters to be independent thinking women. He always found simple meaningful ways to connect with his daughters. However he was beyond excited when his two son in laws joined the family to have someone to be able to talk about shared interests with! He was Papa to his four granddaughters Savannah (16), Maleah (13), Daphne (12) and Calla (9) who brought him much joy. He had a unique and personal relationship with each one. Ron will be buried with honors at Willamette National Cemetery where he never missed decorating family and friends graves for over 50 years. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 28th, 2022 @ The Willamette Ale and Cider House.

Ronald Otto Wehling

December 21, 1941 - October 3, 2022