Jerry Engelhart

Jerry Lee Engelhart, 68, of Pana, IL, passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL, on Friday, November 28, 2025. He was born on January 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.

Jerry 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. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who relished any opportunity to stir the pot, yet always managed to make you feel loved. Jerry and his delicious homemade spaghetti sauce will forever be missed.

He is survived by his wife: Sheri Engelhart of Pana, IL; daughters: Amanda (Travis) Stewart of Nokomis, IL; Kassidy (Travis) Snyder of Athens, IL; son: Jerry “J.J.” Engelhart Jr. of Pana, IL; grandchildren; Jayden Morrison, Mason Stewart, and Colby Stewart of Nokomis, IL; Paisley and Violet Snyder of Athens, IL; Harlan Engelhart of Pana, IL; as well as his sisters: Judy Sanders; Mary (Thomas) Sparks; Carla Hoffman; and sister-in-law, Paula Engelhart all of Nokomis, IL.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Eunice Engelhart, his brother, Harvey Engelhart, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Sparks.

The visitation for Jerry (Pops) Engelhart will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. A funeral service will begin at noon and interment will follow at St. Paul's Cemetery in Nokomis.

Memorials may be  made to the wishes of the family in care of Stiehl-Dawson funeral home.

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Engelhart, please visit our floral store.