Vladimir V.W. Wergeles

Vladimir “V.W.” Wergeles. Born July 6th, 1933, in Bela Crkva, Yugoslavia to Russian emigres George Nicholan and Ludmilla Wergeles; entered into Heaven on May, 8th, 2025 in Williamsburg, KY. “VW” or “V” as he was known to his family and friends, was a profoundly kind and humble man. He spent his late childhood during World War II in Rye, Germany after his father was forced to labor for the Nazis in the Messerschmitt factories. The abject poverty and deprivation of those formative years shaped the rest of his life. The family immigrated to Rye, New York in 1947 and finally to Southern California where he became a naturalized citizen in 1954.

V.W. became a mechanical engineer and spent the majority of his career working for TRW in Redondo Beach. He was a true patriot and was very proud of the meaningful work he engaged in. V.W.had a deep love for the game of soccer, both as a player and later as a volunteer coach and referee in the South Bay community. Through this passion, he made countless friendships and touched many lives, inspiring others with his sportsmanship, generosity, and good humor. Having travelled to Florida extensively for work in the 1980’s, he decided to make it his home 25 years ago and settled in Brooksville, Florida. There, he found great joy in the sunshine, warm weather, his backyard sanctuary, refereeing the occasional soccer game and retirement.

He is survived by his beloved long-time partner and devoted companion, Mary Benton of Corbin, Ky.; his son Victor; his son Alex and daughter-in-law Christine (Manhattan Beach, CA), along with their children Luke, Samantha, and Julia; his son Michael and daughter-in-law Barbara (Guthrie, OK), their children Melissa and Nicholas; and two great-grandchildren, Kaleigh and Kenneth Katzenberger. He was predeceased by his parents; sister Olga Wergeles; sister and brother-in-law Irina and Igor Awtomonow; and former wife Ethelvina Wergeles.

V.W. truly lived the American Dream and we are incredibly grateful for the 91 years that the Lord graced him with. We will miss his love of German Deli’s, hot dogs and red wine. But most of all we will miss his extraordinary sense of humor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. “For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen.”

Hampton-Hutton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To the Wergeles family, the staff here at the funeral home would like to offer you our heartfelt sympathy during your time of bereavement.