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Edward Wehrli Obituary
Ed was born on June 28, 1949 in Washington, IL to Elmer and Mildred (Aeschleman) Wehrli. He is survived by his wife Rose (Sugayan) of The Woodlands, TX, son Eric of Chicago, IL, daughter Christine of Houston,TX, mother of Eureka, IL, and sister Ann Beach of Virginia Beach, VA. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother Jim.
While Ed achieved notable academic and professional success, family was his greatest pride and joy. A devoted husband and father, he was a limitless source of knowledge, inspiration, and support. His favorite meals were eaten at home while discussing personal stories, literature, and world events, with a generous sprinkling of etymology and wordplay. He was a prolific reader and took pride in his aptitude for language. In addition to English, he could entertain a crowd in German, Thai, Mandarin, Bengali, and Latin.
Ed grew up in Roanoke, IL and graduated as salutatorian of the Roanoke-Benson High School Class of 1967. He attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in History in 1971. While at Bradley, Ed was captain of the GE College Bowl Team, celebrating an undefeated season and nationally televised championship in 1969. He later pursued graduate studies in Chinese History and Military History at Duke University in Durham, NC. In 1977, shortly after beginning law school at UNC-Chapel Hill, Ed was appointed to the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State.
Ed left the U.S. for the first time at age 29 to begin his diplomatic career in Kingston, Jamaica. He went on to live in several more countries including China, Thailand, Bangladesh, Germany, the Philippines, and Pakistan, serving faithfully as Consul General at most of his posts. He delighted in working abroad, where he met the love of his life, welcomed his two beloved children, and greeted heads of state including U.S. presidents and the King of Thailand. Ed married Rose in her hometown of Lingayen, Philippines on Dec. 19, 1981, nine months after meeting her at a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand. They retired together in The Woodlands, TX in 2011.
During Ed's years in Texas, he supported several organizations including the Friends of the Library, International Friends, and the Texas Asia Society. He continued to travel extensively, with a particular affinity for museums, battlefields, and cemeteries. Most of his time, however, was dedicated to enjoying books on history, classic movies, midday naps, banter with Eric and Christine, and the cooking of his favorite chef, Rose.
Tempus fugit.
A funeral mass followed by a celebration of life will be held at 11AM on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3901 South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, TX.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Yumi Rydlun
July 16, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Wehrli family. While a tremendous loss, we must remember Ed's million accomplishments and witty quips, interests, and humor, most of which are reflected in his beautiful family - Christine, Rose, and Eric. May you find comfort in all the grand memories and knowing he made such a powerful and lovely impact on so many people in this world!
Bob Ladendorf
July 16, 2025
I was shocked to hear that my long-time friend from grade school, high school classmate, and the most enjoyable person with whom to discuss current events has died. So many memories flood my mind. E.J. had a great sense of humor, dedication to his Foreign Service work, and love of Rose and his kids. I still have to chuckle remembering how he always defeated the rest of us at Trivial Pursuit! I miss him greatly, and I want to extend my tribute to his mom, Mildred, who I visited last year. This photo of E.J. and Rose is from 1999, and I believe it was his surprise 50th birthday party.
Marina Perez
July 15, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Achi Rose, Christine, Eric and family. With deepest sympathy from Marina, Joey and Miako
Leona Chan
July 13, 2025
Sending love and condolences to the Wehrli family
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Myra Dumapias
July 12, 2025
My condolences to you and your family, dear Christine. What a wonderful life you all lived together with so many endearing things and interesting places around the world to form memories over. May you be surrounded by grace and kindness as you go through this tremendously difficult time.
Julie and Phil Boudreaux
July 7, 2025
Rose, Christine and Eric, our deepest sympathies go out to you. We were so sad to learn of Ed´s passing. We were privileged to know him for a brief time and know that he loved his family very much. May you find comfort in the memories of the times you spent together with him. Our prayers are with you.
Rose Sagun
July 6, 2025
Dearest Tita Rose, Christine, Eric, and the entire Wehrli family,
Tito Ed loved the origin of words (we bonded over the word "petrichor" in the garden when I visited the family in Woodlands one Thanksgiving). So perhaps the only word- the one that he loved to use so much, the one he embodied every day of his life- is Love.
Tito Ed is, and will always be, Love.
I thank Tito Ed, from the depths of my heart, for believing in me, for loving me. As I say this, tears roll down my cheeks. I am grateful for the life he has lived; he has touched countless lives, including mine.
I will forever be grateful to Tito Ed. As I speak these words, I am in Bangkok (another place he called home). Yesterday I spoke about the ethics of AI at a global forum of over 1000 delegates from around the world, and I think of Tito Ed. I wouldn´t be here without him and his belief in me. So I spoke about a better world, a braver world, a more loving world. How AI must be a force for good. Tito Ed had a hand in this- for I wouldn´t be here had it not been for the support from him and the family. This is Tito Ed´s legacy. A legacy of Love in a world that needs it more than ever.
Tito Ed is Love.
He is in the trees, the skies, the scent of petrichor in the falling rain and the soaked earth. He is in your laughter, the kindness in everyday moments, and the long arc of big dreams. He is in the inside jokes, the etymology of words, the beauty in a flower. He is in the grain of every sand, the air that we breathe, the beating of hearts, the fabric of your being.
Tito Ed is Love.
Marius and Roxana Pakker
July 3, 2025
Dear Rose, Eric, Christine and family. The news of Ed´s passing came to us as a shock. Our memories with him are happy ones. These memories will always bring a smile to our hearts. Sweet travels dear Ed in your final journey.
Andrew Oltman...Originally from Benson IL.
June 30, 2025
Dear Rose, Eric, Christine, Mildred and Ann...I was saddened to hear about Ed's passing. My sympathy goes out to all of you .
Harley King
June 28, 2025
I remember Ed from our days at Roanoke-Benson High School. He was one of the most intelligent people in our 1967 graduating class. From the obituary, I determined that we were both born in the same hospital in Washington, IL a couple of months apart.
Barbara Alcamo
June 28, 2025
What an extraordinary man! Your contributions made this world a much better place, Ed! Thank you for enriching my life!
Prayers for your eternal peace, Barbara Alcamo
Verna Bañez
June 28, 2025
Condolence po ma'am Rose.
Verna Bañez
June 28, 2025
Condolence po sir Ed.
Aring Dr. Jose Carrera, jr
June 27, 2025
Condolence sis Ate Rose! Hello from bro Jun Carrera who was your co instructor in VMU with ate Leonor, 1978-1979. May your dear husband rest in heavenly peace!
Rose Q. Quilantang
June 27, 2025
Dear Achi Rose,
May the Lord bless your family with comfort and grace at this time. Say not in grief that Kuya Ed is no more, but say in gratefulness that he was.
From,
Rose Quilala-Quilantang (Maricar´s friend from UP Law)
Maureen Paris-Santos
June 27, 2025
Our sincerest sympathies. May his passing to the eternal life with the Father be a comforting thought. One with you in prayers.
Rayen Torres
June 27, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ed, a cherished volunteer whose warmth and dedication enriched our mission. His enthusiastic support at events and commitment to our community left a lasting impact. Ed´s kindness will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.
Linda Lupton
June 27, 2025
Rose, my deepest sympathies to you, Christine and Eric. I will always remember Ed with fondness. He was your ally and your rock! He is now in peace with his loving Creator. God bless you all!
Don & Nobuko Maxkay
June 27, 2025
Dear Rose,
We are both deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful husband, Ed. What a remarkable man of devotion, intelligence, and wit.
We had the impression that he had been in good health and still enjoying travels with you, which makes this news all the more difficult to comprehend. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on this profound loss.
It was clear that Ed had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and lived a full and engaging life through his work in the Foreign Service. We only wish we had more time with both of you to hear more of his life stories, many of which were beautifully shared in his obituary.
We will always remember Ed´s gentle presence and the calm, kind smile he so often shared. We are truly at a loss for words. We can only hope that he is now at peace-free from pain and reunited with his father and brother.
Please take good care of yourself during this difficult time. You have our deepest sympathies, Rose-for your loss and for the sorrow felt by the entire Wehrli family.
Respectfully,
Don & Nobuko
Bonna Kol
June 27, 2025
Asia Society sends our heartfelt condolences to Rose and the entire family. Alongside Rose, Ed generously volunteered his time at our events-always approaching everyone he met with genuine warmth and kindness. We deeply feel his absence, but we also celebrate the way he led his life: filled with purpose and quiet generosity.
Bonna Kol and the Asia Society Texas Family
Joyce hughes
June 27, 2025
What a privilege it was to have crossed paths with Ed...I am so grateful to briefly know him and absorb some knowledge of something I never knew...my sincere prayers for Rose and his family..such a loss is truly hard to all those who were lucky enough to meet him.
Donabella Saliba
June 27, 2025
My heartfelt condolences, Rose, and to the rest of the family. Thank you for the hospitality, for having us last 2007 new year´s eve dinner at Thailand US Embassy. I will not forget Ed for his wonderful stories and insightful conversations then. May his soul rest in peace.
Bubs Weiss
June 27, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Rose and family. He was a lovely person. I know what a loss this is. My prayers. Bubs Weiss
Melva E. Valdez
June 27, 2025
Sending my family´s condolences and prayers . We will always treasure the time we spent with you when you were living in Berlin. Kuya Ed fetched us from our hotel to have have dinner at your home which was near the beach. Rest well Kuya Ed. Atchi Rose, Christine and Eric, my family continues to pray for Kuya Ed´s eternal rest and for your strength in these difficult times.
Luz
June 27, 2025
Rest in peace Ed; your memory will live forever
Ursula Fritz
June 27, 2025
I am so very sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was special!
My heartfelt condolences, Rose. Ursula
kees and sommay keur
June 27, 2025
we met ed and you when we all started chinese together, shortly after you and ed were married as i recall. from that day forward our paths crossed many times both in the usa and in aisa. we will miss ed but reflect with warmth on his friendship. please accept our heartfelt condolences. kees and sommay
LI GARCIA
June 27, 2025
With my sincerest condolences to you Rose and your family, may Ed forever rest in peace and may he find everlasting happiness with his Creator. Prayers for Ed and your family during this critical time.
Putu & Wati Kamayana
June 26, 2025
Wati and I are deeply saddened to learn of Ed's passing. We are greatly honored and privileged to have gotten to enjoy the friendship of Ed and Rose and their children. He has lived a most inspirational life and his achievements inspire all who he has touched. May he rest in esternal peace.
Mike & Chan Eiland
June 26, 2025
We were lucky to be colleagues with Ed in the Indochinese refugee program at the US Embassy in Thailand in the early´80s. Ed was a rock of integrity and calm in a high pressure and complex situation. We were doubly lucky to meet his Rose early in their relationship, beginning a friendship with a lovely couple that has endured over 40 years. Ed will be missed by all who knew him, but he leaves a legacy of selfless service and upright character for his family, friends, and the Foreign Service.
The photo is of Ed in a refugee camp on the Thai-Cambodian border in 1981.
Luz Curiel Keeble
June 26, 2025
Your legacy will live on forever Ed; rest in peace.
Retta Brandon
June 26, 2025
Ed's passing marks the end of a chapter filled with kindness, warmth,
and integrity. He was a man whose presence brightened the lives of all who knew him and a beacon of goodness in a world that often needs it.
Whether through his generous heart, his wisdom, or his unwavering support of those around him, Ed's impact will echo far beyond his time with us. He lived a life of purpose, enriching the lives of family, friends, and countless other who crossed his path. His laughter was contagious, his words thoughtful, and his deeds selfless. The memories we share of Ed are treasure that remind us of the beauty of a life well-lived. As we say
goodbye to Ed, let us carry forward the values he embodied-kindness,
compassion, and genuine love for life. May his legacy inspire others to be better, to love deeper, and to cherish the moments we have with one
another . Rest in peace, dear Ed. You will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
Maxine Lederman
June 26, 2025
Loved sharing insights with Ed in book club. He was a gentleman and a real asset to our Non Fiction book group.
He will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
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