Gertrud "Oma" Wehner

Gertrud “Oma” Wehner, With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived we honor Gertrud, aka “Oma” Wehner, who passed away peacefully on August 5th, just prior to her 92nd birthday. She was born Gertrud Edith Trilling on 8/8/1934 in Lindenau Germany to Alfred and Talyta (Neuman) Trilling. Gertrud’s family, and her four siblings survived WWII and settled in Bodenengern, West Germany where she met and married Erich Wehner, her husband of over 50 years until his passing in 2010. Gertrud and Erich with their 2 daughters Helga, age 3 and Ursula, 10 months followed her Trilling family and bravely immigrated to Brownstown, Indiana in 1957 sponsored by the Methodist Church. Continuing to better themselves, the family relocated to Indianapolis after several years, bought their first house and remained there lifelong. Gertrud’s work ethic enabled her to learn to drive and speak English so she could get a job. She worked for Western Electric for 17 years, Roache Diagnostics, and Indianapolis Sports Park Inc. until her retirement. Gertrud advocated hard work and education and sent both her daughters thru college netting her a doctor and a lawyer. She continued that legacy with her six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren spending as much time as possible with them. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit and her strength. The memories she created – shared stories, favorite traditions, and joyful gatherings will remain treasured gifts to all who loved her. Gertrud loved travel, gardening, knitting and sports. She followed her many family members in football, soccer and basketball as a number one fan! She knitted hats, gloves and scarves to keep her family warm at these events. She was also active in her German club, Indianapolis Liederkranz, where she donated her infamous potato salad to community events. Gertrud also enjoyed fishing and gathering on her family farm in Eminence, IN. Gertrud’s love of travel took her throughout much of the United States and Europe, and she brought her children and grandchildren along to broaden their knowledge and love of adventure. Gertrude lost both her parents, brothers Alfred and Otto and sister Lore. She is survived by her sister and best friend Herta Weber of St. Louis, Missouri. Gertrud also has many in-laws, nieces and nephews in Germany and Indiana. Gertrud is survived by her daughters, Helga Wehner Scaringe, husband Patrick, and Ursula Inge Ferguson and her husband, Scott. Her greatest joys included her grandchildren: Kimberly (Jason) Wiesmann, Kyle (Corrie Ann) Scaringe, Kory (Amber) Scaringe, Karrie (Andrew) Christiansen, Andrea Ferguson, and Karl Ferguson. Gertrud’s 14 great-grandchildren were blessed by her love and by her presence at their sporting events, school performances, and holiday celebrations. She will be greatly missed by Alexis, Addison, Luke, and Lauren Wiesmann; Kendall and Eric Scaringe; Ella, Kinsley, and Harper Scaringe; and Lily, Conner, Collins, Cooper, and Callaway Christiansen. Gertrud also leaves behind many acquaintances from her Indianapolis neighborhood, assisted living residence Aspen Trace, German-American communities, and family back in Germany. A celebration of life will be held at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. Gertrud Edith “Oma” Wehner will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family invites loved ones to honor Gertrud “Oma’s” memory by sharing kindness, gathering with those you love, and carrying forward the warmth she gave so generously.

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Gertrud "Oma" Wehner

August 8, 1934 - August 5, 2026