Vincent Eugene Wehmeyer, known as Gene to family and friends and Chopper to his brothers and sisters in The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, passed away on June 11, 2026. Gene was born March 25, 1948, to Vincent and Eileen Wehmeyer in Omak, Washington. He was raised in Winthrop, Washington, where he spent his childhood and attended school. At the age of 18 Gene answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a chapter of service that he carried with pride for the rest of his life.
Gene was inducted into the U.S. Army on Sept. 26, 1966. Gene spent one tour of duty in Vietnam with the 201st Aviation Company Corp, assigned to the Headquarters where he was a Senior Helicopter repairman and assisted with recovery. A portion of his tour was also with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company working with the Korean Military White Horse Division as a Crew Chief.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he was part of the B Troupe First Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Knox Kentucky. Gene was discharged on June 27, 1969. Gene also spent two years from 1984-1986 in the US Air Force Reserves as a C141 repairman at McChord AFB.
After returning home from Vietnam, Gene worked for the U.S. Forest Service and later for the State Patrol before spending many years with the Bureau of Land Management as a Civil Engineering Technician, from which he retired.
Above all else, Gene cherished his family. He was a devoted father to his sons Jeremy and Nathan, and took immense pride in the men they became. His greatest joy, however, came from being Grandpa Gene to Ryan, Steven, Bettie, Bobby and Rosie. He was not only a grandfather but a storyteller, supporter, and friend.
Though Gene’s presence will be deeply missed, his love remains in the hearts of those he leaves behind: his sons and their families, Jeremy, Marie, Steven and Rosie Wehmeyer; Ryan Compton; Nathan, Jill, Bettie and Bobby Wehmeyer, countless friends and fellow veterans whose lives were made better by knowing him.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Aug. 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Armed Forces Legacy Tonasket, Washington.
