James “Don” D. Wernigk, 78, of Potomac, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

He was born on October 22, 1946, in rural Collison, the son of Charles and Laura (Dyer) Wernigk.  He married Cherie (Jiles) Wernigk on August 3, 1969.  She survives.

He is also survived by his three children- Jennifer (Randy) Snyder, Donald (Sandra) Wernigk and Jessica Wernigk.  He was a very proud grandfather “Papa” to his six grandchildren- Jonathan (Shelbi), Brandon (Allison), Madyson, Mackenzie, Kayla and Leah and his six great-grandchildren- Samuel, Lyella, Gracie, Hallie, Stanley and Spencer.  He is also survived by two brothers, three sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Don graduated from Armstrong High School in 1964.  He served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1971.  He retired from Devro-Teepak after 41 years and was active in the UFCW Local #686 in all of those 41 years in some capacity and served as the union president for 12 years.  Don and Cherie loved living in the “burbs” of Higginsville all 56 years.  Don loved spending time with his grandkids and the littles (great grandkids) teaching all of them about animals, fishing, gardening and rural life.  Don leaves behind all of his friends he and Cherie made through the years.  He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his dog Gibbs.  Don had a passion for gardening, growing vegetables and giving his produce to others.  He loved raising chickens and selling eggs to people.  He had the biggest onion patch in Vermilion County.  He also loved hunting and being outdoors. 

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor George Desmond officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.  According to his wishes cremation rites have been arranged.  The family ask that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Collison United Methodist Church to help with their handicap ramp fund.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Don’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.