Professor emeritus of U-M dies

Professor emeritus of U-M dies

By LAURA BISHOFF

NEWS SPECIAL WRITER

J. Philip Wernette, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan and former president of the University of New Mexico, died unexpectedly Friday morning. He was 84.

Wemette, an economist, joined the U-M graduate school of business administration faculty in 1949 and retired in 1972 at the age of 69.

An author of numerous publications, Wernette graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, received master’s degrees from the University of Southern California and Harvard University, and a doctorate from Harvard.

Wernette was known for his contribution to international relations through serving as financial advisor to Latin American Nations.

He also made numerous economic predictions over the years about inflation, gross national product, economic growth, and the American standard of living.

Wernette, an Imlay City native, moved to California while in high school and grew up with John “the Duke” Wayne, said his wife, Eleanor.

The Wernettes were married almost 48 years ago, said Eleanor Wemette.

Beside his wife, Wernette is survived by his son John, and his daughter Betsy Romney.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Ave., and cremation will take place Wednesday. A memorial service also will be held September 15 at the business school, according to Eleanor Wernette.

WERNETTE