STEELEVILLE – Kerry Wolters, 65, of Steeleville, passed away at 4:13 pm, Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Kerry was born in Sparta, Illinois, on September 17, 1958, the son of Roy H. and Darlene M. Jetton Wolters. He married Lora D. Luehr on May 19, 2007 in Chester, Illinois. He was retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Kerry had a strong Christian Faith.

Kerry was an artist. He transformed strangers into family, Wilderness into sanctuary, Wood into art, Lost into found. He was a dancer, a romantic, a man who saw beauty in so many things. He was a critic, who appreciated effort and integrity. He was a teacher, a father, a husband, a friend. He was paw paw to so many kids who loved him. To us, he was living example of what a life centered in Christ could provide. He was faithful. He never compromised what he truly believed in. He always went the extra mile. He loved fiercely, and his conviction should inspire us all. We hear his voice saying:  "Toughen up, buttercup." We see him in the incredible beauty of what he created while he was here. I bet if you look closely, you see him too.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Lora D. Wolters of Steeleville; children, Kendi (Jason) Klingeman of Sparta, Kacey (Ben) Chapman of Steeleville, Kraig (Alice) Wolters of Bay Minette, AL, and Loran Mary (Chris) Morris of Carterville, IL; grandchildren, Haylee Thomas, Samantha Cottom, Taylor Cottom, Charlie Morris, Mary Jo Morris and Alex Klingeman; sisters, Linda (Richard) Kraus of Fort Wayne, IN, and Janis (Max) Miller of Anna, IL; and aunt, Holly Zipfel of Freeburg, IL.

Kerry was preceded in death by his Parents.

Memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, with Officiant Brian Brewer officiating. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 11 am until 2 pm. Memorials may be given to the Family.