SOUTH PLYMOUTH – Robert J. Wehrli, 76, of South Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Glen Cove, Long Island on Feb. 21, 1933, Bob was the son of Albert J. and Marie (Zuppiger) Wehrli. He graduated from Norwich High School and followed his life’s passion, operating the family farm in South Plymouth. At one time he was the caretaker of “Elsie the Cow” of television fame. During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Bob was a heavy equipment operator for New York State.
Another of Bob’s passions was soil conservation and tree planting. During the 1960’s he received the Soil Conservationist of the Year award. Also at that time he was named Outstanding Young Farmer.
Bob was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and during his leisure time he enjoyed bowling and playing bridge.
On July 27, 1969, in Spokane, Washington, Bob married Mary J. (Meeks) Wehrli, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Kevin Wehrli and his wife, Erin; a granddaughter, Makenna Wehrli and a brother, Albert E. Wehrli and his wife, Kathy, of Norwich. He was predeceased by a brother, Bruce A. Wehrli.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Church. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Center. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and on Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s from 10:15 until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the spring in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.