Herbert Gates Wegner, age 85, of Pittsgrove, NJ passed away on February 11, 2024 after battling Parkinson's disease for 3 years.  Born in Vineland, NJ, Herb was one of 3 children of Herbert Oscar Wegner and Julia Alice Gates.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his two siblings, Julia Augusta Wegner (Doodles) and Robert E. C. Wegner.  He was also preceded in death by his two cousins, Thomas Moore and John Ayres.

Herb was born September 15th, 1938.  He grew up on the family farm near Willow Grove Lake.  His grandmother purchased the farm in 1910 and he grew up in the house that his parents built in 1936. He attended Olivet Elementary and then Vineland High School, graduating in 1957.  He attended Purdue University where he was in ROTC and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1961. Herb was commissioned into the Army where he was an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers.  He was stationed in Texas and went to Germany to participate in Operation Big Lift.  Herb resigned his commission from the Army where he had attained the rank of Captain.  He started working at the Naval Engineering Station in Philadelphia in 1966 as a civilian.  Herb worked in Philadelphia for 33 years until his retirement in 1999 as a branch head for the chemical engineering branch.  While at the engineering station, Herb traveled the US and the world, inspecting and repairing systems on US Navy submarines, carriers, and other Navy ships.  After Herb's retirement, he volunteered in Pittsgrove Township for the Agriculture Committee and the Historic Committee and for the state on the Farmland Preservation Committee to preserve farmlands in Salem County.

Herb was a hard-working individual as are many people brought up on a farm.  His work ethic served him well.  He was always involved in many activities and could frequently be found at the farm.    While living in Wenonah, NJ, he was on the school board, was very involved with Cub Scouts and Troop 50 Boy Scouts with his sons, and building amazing entries for the 4th of July Parade in Wenonah for his children.  Another of Herb's great loves was Avalon, NJ.  For most of his life he had a house in Avalon and would often go down in the "off-season" to quietly enjoy the beach and the town.  Herb was always ready to stand up in front of an audience and give a talk whether it was on a military, engineering, farmland preservation, or scouting subject.  And Herb was always proud of his children's accomplishments.

Herb was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Vineland, NJ. He attended as a child and then returned later in life where he met Deborah.

Herb is survived by his wife, Deborah and children, H James (Diane Gilbert), David (Michael Baccoli), Daniel (Karin Wasserman), Julia (Shane Austin), Alyssa, Lauren (Albert Floriani),  and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2384 E Landis Ave, Vineland, NJ 08361. The funeral service with be preceded by a viewing from 10:00 to 11:00. The burial will be at Willow Grove Cemetery after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.