Charles Edwin Wilhelm

Charles Edwin Wilhelm, known by his friends and family as Chuck/Buddy, 86, of Hickory, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday morning, December 28, 2022 at home under Hospice care. He was born in Statesville, NC on February 6, 1936 to the late Paul Wilhelm and Eva Martin Wilhelm.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by three sisters, Joyce Wilhelm Foster, Virginia (Jenny) Wilhelm Caldwell, and Elizabeth (Libby) Wilhelm Redman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joann Bolick Wilhelm; daughters, Lynn Shea and husband, Mike of Mooresville, and Julie Brooks and husband, Jeff, of Wake Forest, NC; son Rick Wilhelm of Hickory; step-sister, Kathy Cole of Cleveland; grandsons, Dawson Shea of Los Angeles, CA, and Aaron Brooks of Wake Forest, NC; and granddaughters, Kinlee Shea of Mooresville, NC and Caroline Brooks of Wake Forest, NC.

Chuck was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in Hickory and was very active in the church, an Elder for multiple years, participated in men’s bible studies and assisted with various duties in the church.

He loved his family, and supported and attended many of his grandchildren’s school and extracurricular activities. He was always up for an adventure, enjoyed traveling, fishing, was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of U.S. and world history.

Chuck was devoted to serving his country and community. He served in the United States Marine Corp for four years and then in the Marine Corps Reserves for another four years. He was a strong supporter of the Hickory Seahorse Swim Team for ten years. He was awarded Meet Director of the Year in 1987. He was involved with the Golden K Kiwanis Club and was president for three years. He retired from a career in sales with Ryersson Metals in Charlotte. Chuck was loved by many friends, neighbors and family and will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in Hickory with Pastors David Ziehr and James Byork officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Stephens Lutheran Church (LCMS) Building Fund, 2304 Springs Road, NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences may be sent to the Wilhelm family at www.drumfh-hickory.com

Drum Funeral Home of Hickory is honored to be serving the Wilhelm family.