Jerry Wolfgang
Edwardsville | Save
Jerry Leroy Wolfgang, age 87 of Edwardsville, IL, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Eden Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, IL.
He was born on Sunday, July 24, 1938, in Fortville, IN, the son of Loren and Emily (nee Sewell) Wolfgang.
On Friday, January 30, 1976, he married Chari D. Wolfgang (nee Boxleitner), in Geneva, IL, who survives.
Jerry was the youngest of 6 children, born in rural Indiana in 1938 to his parents, Loren and Emily. He had a typical country childhood, filled with chores, a nearby best friend and his dog. Jerry graduated high school, then worked for a year to gather money for a 2-year certification program to become an Aircraft Mechanic.
During his college years at Purdue, he was a gifted draftsman; some of his drawings were used by instructors. He was hired at Ozark Airlines after graduation and then drafted by the U.S. Army. Jerry was chosen to attend Army Intelligence school and worked during the Vietnam War era for that Department, doing background checks for security clearances within the U.S.
When his service ended, he returned to work as an Aircraft Mechanic for Ozark Airlines in Rockford, Illinois and later transferred to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. He was introduced to Chari (Boxleitner Coleman) in 1974; they married in 1976.
Jerry became “Dad” to Chari’s three children, Gwen, Christine and James. In late 1976, the family welcomed baby Michael. The family enjoyed camping and working together to develop some timber property into a house site. Ozark Airlines was eventually purchased by TWA, then by American Airlines. Jerry transferred to Lambert International Airport in St. Louis.
He and Chari purchased a farm in 1990 to live their shared dream of a country life. Together they raised sheep and chickens, and had horses, pigs, ducks and geese. There were also always dogs, up to 7 at a time on the farm. Jerry was a talented woodworker, even designing and building a shop on the property. After retiring in 2000, Jerry survived a mild stroke, eventually regaining all functioning. Jerry’s ability to fix anything, his loving care of his family and his sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife - Chari D. Wolfgang (nee Boxleitner) of Edwardsville, IL; children - Gwen Menz of Anna, IL, Christine Coleman of Edwardsville, IL, James (Jill) Coleman of Venice, FL and Michael (Elayne) Wolfgang of Towson, MD; grandchildren - Stephanie Menz, Katharine Menz, Lauren Bunker, John Emery Coleman, Hanna Coleman, Summer Coleman, Daniel Wolfgang, Alexandria Wolfgang, and Benjamin Wolfgang; great grandchild - Clara Coleman-Bunker.
He was preceded in death by his parents - Loren and Emily (nee Sewell) Wolfgang; siblings - "Bus" Wolfgang, Virginia Raymer, Lola Esther Elmerick, Norman Wolfgang and Jane Gardner.
Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Metro East Humane Society.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
