Major Louis Joe Wohlwend

Major Louis Joe Wohlwend, 64, of Anna, died at 7:55am Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at his home. He was born June 24, 1950 in Anna, IL to Henry Louis Wohlwend Jr. and Joan (Graves) Edwards. He married Holly Ann Derickson on December 26, 1976 in Anna, IL. Joe graduated from AJCHS in 1968 and from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1974. He was a member of Kappa Psi Fraternity. He was employed at Choate Mental Health as a Clinical Pharmacist. Previously he had been employed as a pharmacist and store manager of Super X Drugs in Anna. He loved his work and meeting everyone. Joe was especially known for his keen sense of humor and enjoyment while working in managing. His employees respected his expectations and management abilities. His customers were assured that they had the highest quality of care. He was an avid Cardinal fan and spent many hours cheering for them in the car, at home and in the stadium. He was devoted to his children and never missed a school, church or sporting event if they were involved. He spent many hours in enjoying time with youth sports in Union County. He loved traveling in the Great Smokey Mountains and hiked to Mt. LeConte and many of the waterfalls there. His last hike was taken less than two weeks prior to his affliction with brain cancer. His family and friends will miss his sense of adventure and guidance. Joe believed in giving service to his community and belonged to several civic organizations including the National Rifle Association, North American Hunting Club, American Legion, Elks Club, VFW, and until recently the Williamson Gun Club. Joe gave service to the community Chaffee, MO by serving as a reserve in the City of Chaffee Police Force. He was a member of AFSCME, Council 31. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner with lifetime membership. He was a card carrying member of the Central Illinois Cherokee Band of Indians. Joe gave service to the community with service being given to the Anna District 37 School Board from 1993 – 2005. He was always grateful for his education he received there as a youth and felt that he was returning the service provided to him. Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anna and served on the board there several times. He was devout and humbled by his services there. His military service began with entry into the Army National Guard in 1968. He trained and served with the 1244th, which was at the time stationed in Carbondale. In 1971, he transferred to the Air National Guard in St. Louis while attending the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. There he was attached to Robinson ANG, MO., serving at Lambert Field as an x-ray technician. He left the service in 1975 and reenlisted in 1995, while he was recruited by the Air Force to serve as a registered pharmacist with the 375th Medical Squadron at Scott Air Force Base. He received the following honors during his service: The Air Force Meritorious Service Award with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six devices, the National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Global War on Terrorism Service Award, the AMC Pharmacy of the Year Award in 2005 and 2009. Joe is survived by his wife, Holly Wohlwend of Anna; daughter, Elizabeth (Dominic) Pietoso of Cincinnati, OH; son, Joseph Hunter of Anna; daughter from a previous marriage; mother, Joan (Graves) Edwards of Anna; brothers, Quinn Edwards and Jason Edwards of Anna; other mother, Gail Wohlwend; sisters, Sharon (Gary) Gaffney of LeRoy, IL, Suzie (Brad) Murphy of Peoria, Patty (Brian) Wichert of Viroqua, WI, Janet (Dennis) Lord of Laurel, DE; brother, John Henry (Kim) Wohlwend of LeRoy, IL; in-laws who loved him as well, Nancy Derickson of St. Louis, MO, Butch (Carol) Derickson of Traverse City, MI, Patrick (Patricia) Derickson of Fairplay, CO, David (Karen) Larson of St. Louis, MO, Danny (Jeanette) Larson of Webster Groves, MO, Mary Christina (Randy) Farrar of Jackson, MO, Greg Larson of Houston, TX, Stephen (Debbie) Larson of Phoenix, AZ, Denise (John) Schaberg of Belleville, IL, Michelle (Dan) Layton of Fenton, MO, Amy (Mark) Hessler of Fenton, MO. With such a large family Joe has many nieces and nephews he leaves behind. He loved each one and looked forward to each visit. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Louis Wohlwend Jr.; grandparents, Dr. & Mrs. Henry Louis Wohlwend Sr. (Anna Singler); maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Graves (Lena Cavaness); grandson, Luca Pietoso; niece, Jackie Edwards. Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro. Rosary prayers will be held at 7:30 PM. Friends may also call Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anna with Father Federico Higuera officiating. Interment will follow at Anna City Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3455 and Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Mary’s Catholic Church Education fund and they will be accepted at the funeral home.

Major Louis Joe Wohlwend

June 24, 1950 - March 18, 2015