Larry Wangelin
Godfrey | Save
Larry Wangelin, 87, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 13, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Oliver and Ruth (Ruyle) Wangelin. The family later moved to Calhoun County, Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his childhood.
Larry married the love of his life, Jo Ann Cunningham, on March 19, 1966, at First Baptist Church in Carrollton, Illinois. Together they shared 59 wonderful years together with their family. Jo Ann preceded him in death on October 30, 2025.
Larry graduated from Hardin High School in 1957 and afterward joined the United States Army. He proudly served as a military police officer and dog handler from 1962 to 1968, attaining the rank of Corporal. During his service, he earned the Marksman Badge with Rifle, Missile, and Carbine Bars, as well as the Sharpshooter Badge with Pistol. Following his military service, Larry worked as a truck driver for Chemetco until his retirement in 2001.
Larry was known for his incredible sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh, even in the most ordinary moments. He had a natural way of talking with everyone he met, making strangers feel like lifelong friends within minutes. His kindness, laughter, and easygoing spirit were gifts that touched countless lives. He cherished traveling the world with his family, tending to his garden, reading, and caring for his beloved pets. Above all, Larry treasured time spent with his family and friends. His greatest joy was watching his family grow, and he took great pride in being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He devoted his life to providing for those he loved, and his steady presence, generosity, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Larry is survived by two sons, Stephen Wangelin of Panama City, Florida, and Lee Wangelin of Alton, Illinois; two grandchildren, Brittany (Cameron) Gilmore of Alton, Illinois, and Emma Wangelin of Godfrey, Illinois; and two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Oliver Gilmore.
He was preceded in death by his parents and after spending nearly 60 years side by side, Larry is now reunited with his beloved Jo Ann.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, Illinois, with Pastor Ian Edward Caveny officiating. Burial will follow at Hamburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hamburg Cemetery or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
