Michael L. Wehler

Michael L Wehler, 82, of Plain, WI passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mike was born on July 24th 1944 in Baraboo, WI to John and Gertrude (Loy) Wehler.

Growing up on their West Point dairy and hog farm, Mike’s early years instilled in him a profound work ethic that defined his entire life. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior being baptized on June 6, 1956. Mike attended Prairie du Sac schools where he participated in track, football, and FFA graduating in 1962. He went on to serve as a State FFA officer and was the only member of his immediate family to attend college. Mike married his high school sweetheart Judith Sprecher on September 4th, 1965. Their 60 year marriage built on love, commitment, and shared adventures became a foundation for their 3 children, 7 grandchildren, extended family and community. Mike graduated from UW-Platteville with an Agricultural Education degree in 1966 and taught Vocational Agriculture at Cassville for 4 years. In 1970 Mike and Judy moved to the Sprecher family farm.

While farming, Mike joined Farm Bureau winning the WI Outstanding Young Farmer Discussion Meet in 1974 and serving as Sauk County President from 1974-77. At the encouragement of lifelong friend Hilman Schroeder, Mike became involved with the Wisconsin Pork Producers becoming President in 1980. Mike’s passion for the pork industry led to working with college professors, agricultural deans, university presidents, and legislators to advance pork research. During his work at the state level, he helped implement the Pork Checkoff and Arlington Research Farm facility. At the national level he led the Quality Assurance Program and served as National Pork Producer President in 1990. During his term he met with President George Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev and Ag Secretary Clayton Yuetter. Mike’s national volunteer work led to many lifelong friendships and international trips to help promote pork exports. Later, he helped to build the US Pork Center of Excellence, served as President of the US Pork Board, and was the Wisconsin Executive Vice President for 10 years. Mike’s service led to many awards including NPPC Hall of Fame, WPPA Distinguished Service Award, Wisconsin Agri View Master Agriculturist, UW-Madison College of Agriculture Distinguished Service Award, UW-Platteville Distinguished Alumni Award and state Honorary FFA degree and WI FFA Distinguished Service Award. Mike also served on the Bank of Prairie du Sac board for 40 years.

Besides farming, Mike loved to hunt, fish, watch Wisconsin sports teams, and play legendary Wizard card games with family and friends. Deer hunting was always a major family holiday. Mike took his first fishing trip to Canada in 1962 and returned regularly over the years. In retirement he spent his summers fishing at Lake of the Woods, Ontario, making friends and bringing family there. An important daily event was Happy Hour on his camper patio where everyone was invited to bring a drink, snack, and a fish story.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack, Rob, brother-in-law John Haskins, Mike Zitnick, Bill Brew, and John Welty. Mike is survived by his wife Judy, son Todd (Rene), grandchildren Abigail, Micah (Katrina), and David; son, Terry (special friend Kim), grandchildren Kelsey (Mason) and Kolton; and daughter Michelle Wetzel (Clint) grandchildren Kinsley and Vin. He is also survived by siblings Peg Haskins, Barb Zitnick, Linda Moeller, and Mary (Dave) Williams and many nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 22nd at Blackhawk Bethlehem Church in Blackhawk, WI. Visitation will begin at 9 am, with a service at noon and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sauk Prairie FFA or the Wisconsin Pork Association’s Wehler Family Foundation Grant Program.