Larry Wahle
Alhambra | Save
Larry J. Wahle, age 82, died at 12:40 pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Alhambra Rehab and Healthcare in Alhambra, Illinois.
He was born August 26, 1943, in Jersey County, the son of George and Nina Mae (Phipps) Wahle.
Larry retired from Schaefer Auto Body in Webster Groves, MO, after spending more than 25 years in the auto body industry. Larry enjoyed anything with a motor, starting with the tractor his parents gave him when he was 3 years old. He had a multitude of cars throughout his life, building many from project vehicle to show stopper. The 1956 Chevy 2 door post he built won numerous trophies, some even while it was in "project" mode. A highlight of his build wins was being selected as one of the top 50 vehicles from a selection of more than 2400 entries then being invited to the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis to display the '56 Chevy during that week and drive it down the drag strip.
Larry was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in April 2006. He served in several church callings, including as an assistant in the Scout Troop where he helped build the Pinewood Derby car (driven by a 4 year old) that was the top winner.
Larry graduated in 1961 from Jerseyville High School, where he was a Future Farmers of America (FFA) club member. Over the years, Larry was a member of several car clubs including Chevy Classics, Okaw Valley Classic Chevy, and the FBI (Fat Boys of Illinois). He enjoyed traveling to / participating in car cruises and shows.
On December 26, 1993, in Bethalto, Larry married Jacqueline Richard, and she survives.
Also surviving are his son Gregory, of Alton, one brother, Jack, of White Hall, two step daughters, Paula (Tim) Scranton, of Griggsville, and Sherry McGuire of Austin, Texas, two step sons, Ronnie Clark of Gillespie and Jay Clark of Jerseyville, eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Wahle, and a brother, Don Wahle, and his second wife, Anita.
The family of Larry Wahle would like to extend a very special thank you to the faculty and staff at Alhambra Rehab and Healthcare for their extraordinary care and warmth during his stay.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Tuesday, December 23, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Pinetree Cemetery in Patterson, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.
Anderson Family Funeral Home
