Jerry Lee Engelhart, 68, of Pana, died at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Nokomis. Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Mr. Engelhart was born on Jan. 9, 1957, in Pana, the son of Harlan “Skin” and Eunice (Turchi) Engelhart. On June 23, 1984, he married Sheri Morrison in Pana. They spent over 40 years together and had three children.
He worked as an operating engineer and was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 965 for over 30 years. A talented and skilled craftsman, he enjoyed working on motorcycles, woodworking and caring for his property. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who relished any opportunity to stir the pot, yet always managed to make one feel loved. He and his delicious homemade spaghetti sauce will forever be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Sheri Engelhart of Pana; daughters, Amanda (Travis) Stewart of Nokomis and Kassidy (Travis) Snyder of Athens; son, Jerry “J.J.” Engelhart Jr. of Pana; grandchildren, Jayden Morrison, Mason Stewart and Colby Stewart of Nokomis, Paisley and Violet Snyder of Athens and Harlan Engelhart of Pana; sisters, Judy Sanders, Mary (Thomas) Sparks and Carla Hoffman; and sister-in-law, Paula Engelhart, all of Nokomis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Eunice Engelhart; brother, Harvey Engelhart; and brother-in-law, Thomas Sparks.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, c/o: Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home.
