Lt. Col. Ervin Joseph Werhand (USAF Ret.)

Ervin Joseph Werhand, Lt. Col., United States Air Force retired, age 83, died at his home in Mint Hill, NC, on Tuesday, March 26, 2002, lovingly surrounded by family and friends.
Mr. Werhand, a native of Medford, WI, served in the military more than 20 years. A World War II veteran, he fought in the South Pacific theater, piloting a B-25J aircraft on bombing and strafing missions against Japanese shipping, airfields and factories and in close ground support. For wounds received during this tour of combat, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
In the late 1940s, he flew missions in a C-47 ski plane above the Arctic Circle, selecting locations for weather stations and strategic early warning outposts. During the Korean War, he flew Air EVAC missions from Tokyo to Hawaii. Mr. Werhand also flew a B-47 Stratojet bomber during the Cold War which carried thermonuclear warheads. These missions were a primary deterrent against nuclear war with then Soviet Russia.
He was a member of The Retired Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4059, an active member in The Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission, and a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, Mint Hill, NC.
Ervin Joseph Werhand is survived by his wife, Olive; daughter, Sheila Alba and her husband, Ron, of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Carley. He also leaves behind his grandson, Michael David Gaines of Florida; a brother, Raymond Werhand; sisters, Erma Vach and Helen Smead of Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of loyal and caring friends who helped him on his final journey.
Our heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Charlotte and to a precious few friends who made it possible for our husband and father to leave this world with dignity, surrounded by love and his own trademark humor and spirit.
A funeral mass is planned at St. Luke Catholic Church on Monday, April 1. The family will receive friends at 10 AM followed by the funeral mass at 10:45, officiated by Fr. Joseph Mulligan.
Ervin Joseph Werhand will be cremated and his ashes proudly interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, NC 28227, Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204, or The Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission, 4108 Airport Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.
A life that touches the heart of others goes on forever. Anonymous
Arrangements by McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service, Mint Hill Chapel.