CENTRALIA — Bradford “Brad” E. Wolenhaupt, 70, of Centralia, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born January 1, 1953, in Centralia, the son of Henry “Junior” Wolenhaupt and Bernice (Meador) Wolenhaupt. He married the love of his life, Lisa Splechter on October 29, 1986, and she survives.
In addition to his mother: Bernice Wolenhaput of Centralia, his wife of 36 years, Lisa Wolenhaupt of Centralia, he is also survived by his four children: Tim Wolenhaupt and wife Jennifer of Centralia, Chris Wolenhaupt of Centralia, Kasey Wolenhaupt Rankin of Centralia, and Kathryn Wolenhaupt Bouchard and husband Jonathan of Centralia; seven grandchildren: Jessica M. Wolenhaupt, Carter Rankin, Noah Rankin, Malakhai Bouchard, Isla Harper Bouchard, Aria E. Bouchard and Rhys M. Bouchard; two brothers: Henry “Michael” Wolenhaupt and wife Kim of Centralia and Marc D. Wolenhaupt and wife Connie of Centralia; sister-in-law: Becky Allen and husband Norman of Sandoval; brother-in-law: Chuck Splechter and wife Terri of Sandoval; mother and father-in-law: Bob Splechter and wife Verta of Sandoval; several nieces and nephews; and several friends.
He was preceded in death by his father: Henry “Junior” Wolenhaupt and niece: Amanda Wolenhaupt.
Brad served his country in the United States Air Force. For 33 years, Brad served as a Deputy Sheriff, and for 8 of those years, he was the Sheriff for Marion County. He also volunteered as a DARE Officer for 7 years and was on the Centralia City Council for 11 years.
Brad enjoyed fishing, camping, and building model boats and airplanes. If you knew Brad, he was very quick-witted and would try to find a way to make everyone laugh. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Brad loved his mother, wife, children, family and friends and will be missed by so many.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Military Rites will be accorded at the gravesite by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia VFW Post 2055. Visitation will be held Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shiner’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Wolenhaupt family.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook page.