Michael Anthony Wehrell

Colonel Michael Anthony Wehrell, USAF (Retired), of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of O’Fallon, Illinois, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 81. Michael was born on October 13, 1944, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Walter Stuart and Mary Lucille (née Callahan) Wehrell.

He attended Ridgewood High School, where he was an all-around athlete, who especially loved football. It was there he met his high school sweetheart, Jean (née Jurgensen). The two were married on April 29, 1967. Michael continued his education at Villanova University and Pepperdine University.

A proud veteran of both the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, Michael served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1993 as a Minuteman Missile Launch Officer and Intelligence Officer. His career took him and his family on remarkable adventures across the globe, with assignments in Colorado, Thailand, Hawaii, Montana, Virginia, Australia, Nebraska, Germany, Louisiana, and Illinois. After retiring from active duty at Scott Air Force Base in 1993, he continued his service as a civilian contractor supporting US TRANSCOM until 2009.

Family was the heart of Michael’s life. He was a devoted husband to Jean, a generous and supportive father to his three children, and a proud, doting “PopPop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His children and grandchildren kept him young at heart, filling his years with travel, laughter, scouting adventures, and countless sporting events. Known for his hospitality, he loved hosting family gatherings by the pool, where he showcased his passion for gourmet cooking and grilling. Every meal he prepared inspired storytelling of his many adventures.

Michael never met a stranger. A quick errand around town often turned into a day of reconnecting and chatting, particularly with fellow service members. His faith was central to his life—he was a devoted Christian, active in his Life Group, and brought enthusiasm to organizing the annual Men’s Wild Game Dinner. In retirement, Michael and Jean loved traveling together across the United States and abroad, visiting Mexico, Alaska, Florida, and many parts of Europe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his granddaughter Katie Sue Huffines.

Surviving are his three children Tiffany (Lanny) Schlemeier of Lenexa, Kansas; Suzy (Frank) Blacharczyk of O’Fallon, Illinois; and Steve (Jackie) Wehrell of O’Fallon, Illinois; his brothers Walter “Stuart” Wehrell, Jr., Tom (Liz) Wehrell, and his sister-in-law Joan (Bernie) Kelly; his grandchildren Elise, Annie, and Katie Schlemeier; Whitney (Scylyr) Berkel, Jacob Huffines, Joshua (Cori) Huffines, and Noah Huffines; Cecelia and Julianna Wehrell; bonus grandchildren Joseph, Matthew (Shawnee), Aaron, Breanna, and Amy Blacharczyk; great grandchildren Mason, Wren, Elijah, and Jaxon Berkel; and Grayson Huffines; and bonus great-grandchildren Aaralyn and Liam, plus two on the way.

Memorial donations are suggested to the USO and/or Folds of Honor and will be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation will begin at 9 am, Friday, February 6, 2026 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, Ill., followed by a Funeral Service to begin at 10 am, with Rev. James Deiters officiating. Immediately following the service, procession will depart the funeral home for burial with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.