John Preston Woelfle

John Preston Woelfle, 75, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022.  He was born on May 11, 1947, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute to Frank X Woelfle Jr. and Martha Jane Reinoehl Woelfle.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon James Woelfle, whom he married August 15, 1970 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church; two sons, Todd Woelfle and his wife Amanda and Scott Woelfle and his wife Brandi all of Terre Haute; one brother, Joel Woelfle and his wife Amy of Fishers, Indiana.  Also surviving is a granddaughter, Olivia Woelfle and three grandsons, Gavin Woelfle, Jett Woelfle, and Trenton Woelfle. Other survivors include his brother-in-law Greg James and his wife Jeannine of Terre Haute, sister-in-law Lynn Morrisey and husband Dan of Fishers.  Surviving nieces and nephews include Amber Miller and husband Michael of Plainfield, Indiana, Dustin James and wife Sarah of West Terre Haute, Derek James and wife Kaicy of Terre Haute, Brent Woelfle and wife Tracy of Highland Park, Illinois, Bryan Woelfle and wife Joycelyn of Indianapolis, Brett Beaty and wife Shuray of Seattle, Washington, Mark Beaty and wife Lauren of Denver, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank Woelfle Sr. and wife Eunice, Frank Reinoehl and wife Mary, his parents, father-in law- Harry James and wife Olivia, brother Jeffrey Woelfle, and daughter Anne Woelfle.

John attended Collett Elementary where he was the drummer in the band, captain of the safety patrol, and recipient of the outstanding patrolman award.  While attending McLean Junior High School and Garfield High School he delivered the Terre Haute Star newspaper (1959-1965).  After high school and while attending Indiana State University John was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and spent six summers from 1965 to 1970 on several construction projects as a member of the Laborers Union Local 204. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, he became a teacher at Frankfort Senior High School serving as Chairman of the Business Department.  In 1973, he joined Merchants National Bank and served in several management positions including Vice President/Banking Center Administrator.  He received a graduate degree from the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  In 1991, he joined the investment firm of Hilliard Lyons as a financial consultant.  He attained the title of First Vice President and served as Resident Branch Manager of the Terre Haute office from 2002-2014.

John was an active community volunteer joining the Kiwanis Club in 1973.  He also served as a coach for the Special Olympics, Boys Club, director for the Vigo County Fair Association, Sycamore Varsity Club Member, director and treasurer for the United Way of the Wabash Valley, Taxpayers Association of Vigo County, and Terre Haute Neighborhood Association Inc.  He was a life member of the Vigo County Historical Society and served on the board of directors for 25 years, two years as President from 1989-1991.  He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1995.  John was a charter member of TREES Inc. and served as President for ten years from 1994-2004.  He served in many capacities including “John the Tool Man.”  Other memberships included Charter member ISU Alumni Association, Strawberry Hill Cannoneers, Societas Extremi (Last Man’s Club), and Mirage Investment Club.

He  spent more than 40 years collecting antiques, Coca Cola memorabilia, gas pumps, signage and much more. When their home on Hamilton Drive became full, he built a large 2-story barn to expand the collection and display his treasures.  John will always be remembered for the generosity he and Sharon showed to open their home to family, friends, and guests.

Services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S 25th St, Terre Haute, with The Rev. Drew Downs of St. Stephens Episcopal Church officiating.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation is scheduled prior to services from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM in the funeral home.

The family kindly suggests that memorial contributions may be made to TREES Inc., P.O. Box 3683, Terre Haute, IN 47803, www.treesinc.org. Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .