Charles Michael Wernette

Charles Michael Mike Wernette, 61, died the morning of November 8, 2011 from complications following a hemorrhagic stroke. Mike was born on September 23, 1950 in Clay Center, Kansas, to Charles F. and Vera L. (Gibbs) Wernette. Mike graduated from Clay Center Community High School, and earned a B.S. in Political Science-Pre Law at Washburn University. After graduation, Mike was appointed as Assistant Director of Admissions on the staff of Benedictine College. In 1977, Mike started his business 'American Sealants' Company, which he successfully built and expanded over the years. Mike was proud of his business and emphasized, here is a non-agriculture business, that did not have a start-up grant, that exports across Kansas, Nationally, and internationally; the Company did not ask for any tax breaks nor economic grants. The company's tire sealant product has become increasingly popular in both the domestic and overseas' markets including China, Belgium, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, Brazil and South Africa among other countries. The 'American Sealants' Company will observe its' 34th year of operation in December, 2011. Mike thoroughly enjoyed his business, business colleagues, and was a we-respected businessman. The 'Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development' at Kansas State University, honored Mike with their Leader of the Year award for entrepreneurship, in March 2000. Mike was presented with the Economic Development Achievement award, in May 2000, spot-lighting outstanding achievement by an area business. Mike absolutely loved the outdoor life camping, hunting, boating and fishing with family aand friends. In his youth, Mike participated in little league baseball, Cub Scouts, Junior Golf, High School basketball and cross-country. Mike was always interested in politics and thoroughly enjoyed an engaging political discussion; he was involved in local and national politics his entire life. He found great relaxation in helping his Dad and family in the orchard and vegetable gardening. Mike enjoyed traveling the globe for his business, watching old western and classic movies, and the memorable jazz and blues music of the all time greatest artists. Mike realized great pleasures in the simple things of life. Mike was an active member of St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church throughout his life, from serving as an altar boy, to participating on the Church Council. He was always available if someone needed a hand, a shoulder, a loan, or a fund raiser. Mike was a unique provider; examples include supporting a Social Communication Center in India, helping support seminarian to become priests, sponsoring little league baseball, supporting children's education at the St. Joseph Indian School. The Good Shepherd Hospice House, Boys Town, UNICEF, USO, Flint Hills Christian School at Green, Light House for Christ and the Catholic Community. Mike is survived by his parents Charles and Vera Wernette of Clay Center; his sisters, Monica Wernette of Manhattan and Jean Wernette of Wichita; his brother Jon and wife Darlene of Clay Center; nieces Cathi Girton, Carla Crutcher both of Clay Center, Carrie Roeser of Riley, Cyndi Tuschinski of Newark, Delaware, Chris Nolte of Wamego and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and great nephews and friends across the world. Mike is preceded by his youngest brother Guy Kevin; his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Minnie Gibbs; his paternal grandparents, Jon and Mary Wernette; his uncles Gene, John, Glenn, Larry, Earl, and Bob; his aunts Florence Sissy, Lois, Lucy, Annie, Dorothy and Verna. His family will remember Mike each and every day. Mike was the best brother, son, uncle and friend. Mike will always be remember for his generosity, great sense of humor and his selflessness. He is loved and he is already missed. Mike never had a bad word to say, and he never complained...even at the end of his life, confused by stroke complications, Mike wouldn't accept your help or your assistance without whispering a very heartfelt thank you. And we too, thank you, Mike. Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, Kansas . Minister: The Rev. Larry Grennan Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas. Visitation: 3-7PM Friday at the funeral home with Rosary at 7PM. Memorials: St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church c/o the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.nsrfh.com. Charles Wernette