Jerry Wigen Obituary (1938–2026) | In Loving Memory
Jerry Wigen, 88, passed away peacefully at his home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born in Wenatchee, Washington on February 6, 1938. He was the son of the late John Wigen and Cleone Wigen. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Wigen.
Jerry was raised in Spokane, Washington and graduated from John R. Rogers High School. He proceeded to graduate from Whitworth College with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Jerry enlisted in the Army in 1960 and was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. It was in Germany that he met his beautiful wife, Gisela, and embarked upon a love story for the ages.
Jerry was always a wordsmith and, upon discharge from the Army, served as a reporter on the crime beat for the Spokesman Review in Spokane, Washington. Being a crime reporter, right in the mix of things, was always a source of great pride for Jerry. In the 1970’s Jerry moved his family back to Germany where he then became a merchandise manager – purchasing books for the military market for the European Stars and Stripes bookstores. He enjoyed this career as it enabled him to maintain his passion for the written word.
Shortly after moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, Jerry became the chairman of the Indian Trail Citizens for Progress, a political action committee which helped shape the development of the Indian Trail community. Jerry was a creative spirit – he enjoyed painting, reading, and writing. He also relished time spent in his garden. He took great pride in his various bird feeders and was known to wrestle an occasional wayward snake from his cherished bluebird boxes.
Jerry will always be known for his quick wit and enthusiasm for life. He always had a joke to tell and delivered it with perfect comedic timing and never messed up the punchline. Even at the end, he kept his sense of humor and would throw out a quick one-liner to make light of the situation. Jerry was always charming and kind.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Gisela Wigen; his daughter, Caroline Watson and husband, Kent; his daughter Christine Bowlsby and husband Stefan; and his son, Michael Wigen and wife Jennie; sister-in-law, Hannelore Schneider. Additionally, Jerry leaves behind four grandchildren, Christopher, Danielle, Jessica, and Brandon; and four great-grandchildren, Cayden, Tara, Liliana, and Vivienne.
The family has opted for a private celebration of life service to be held at a later date to honor his beloved memory.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
