Jerry Hendricks Wigent

Jerry Hendricks Wigent, 88, a well-known area businessman, passed away at Parkview Whitley Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Born April 8, 1937, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Warren S. and Mary Elizabeth (Crawford) Wigent. Growing up in Columbia Township, where he completed elementary school, he graduated from Columbia City High School in 1955.

He worked various jobs in the area, including Dana Corporation, Briggs Fertilizer, and United Telephone, all the while growing his startup business, Jerry Wigent Gravel, and ultimately, Wigent Excavating, serving the area for over 68 years.

On December 30, 1971, he was united in marriage to Karen J. Fenker. They made their home in Columbia Twp.

An outgoing member of the community, he is remembered for his good-humored stories and pranks. On clear days, he made many flights over the area in his ultralight airplane or small Cessna plane. A faithful member of Gideons International, he also participated in Jail Ministries and was a member of the Oak Grove Church of God. He enjoyed singing and belonged to the Chain-O-Lake Chorus.

Jerry liked to ride horses in his younger years and always enjoyed riding motorcycles. For over 27 years, the couple spent the winter months in Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Karen; children, Jeffrey A. (Karen) Wigent, James W. (Stephanie) Wigent, Jordon "Jody" (Abby) Wigent, Janice R. (Warren) Harker and Jason L. (Marla) Wigent, all of Columbia City; brothers, David (Jerry Ann) Wigent of Columbia City, and Thomas (Sue) Wigent of Ligonier; a sister, Nancy (John) Sullivan of Warsaw; 12 grandchildren; 1 step grandchild; and 25 great grandchildren.

The funeral service is 10:00 a.m., Saturday (August 23rd) at Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 S. Raber Road, Columbia City. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, (August 22nd) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and 1 hour before the service at the church.

Memorials are to the Oak Grove Church of God Building Fund or Gideons International.