Roger A. Wuelling

Roger Anthony Wuelling, 77, of Chamois, Missouri, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital, surrounded by the family he so dearly loved.
He was born on August 14, 1947, in Jefferson City, the son of the late Frank and Dorothy (Mantle) Wuelling. On June 20, 1970, Roger married the love of his life and best friend, Linda Kay Held. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, devotion, and selfless love-a love that never wavered.
Roger was a gentle soul-soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and steady. He lived for his family, always putting them first and sacrificing whatever was necessary to ensure they were taken care of. He was the ultimate cheerleader for his grandchildren, showing up not just for their games and milestones, but for the everyday moments too. Wherever Roger and Linda were, family was at the heart of it.
A proud veteran, Roger served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Chamois American Legion.
Professionally, Roger spent his working years as a signal maintainer for Union Pacific Railroad, bringing the same quiet diligence to his job that he brought to every aspect of his life.
Roger was a faithful member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Chamois. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he knew and loved Jesus deeply. In his final days, Roger was at peace-ready to go home to his Savior.
Known throughout the community for his incredible gardens, Roger found joy in the soil. He and Linda would can the vegetables they grew, then give much of it away-buckets of tomatoes, jars of goodness-sharing the fruits of their labor with neighbors and friends. That love for gardening was passed on to his children, who have lovingly tended to the plants in recent years. Even in his final days, Roger was thinking about his garden.
Roger also had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing on the Missouri River, hunting for morel mushrooms in the spring, and gathering pecans from the trees he and Linda had planted in their yard-cracking them open and sharing them with pride. These were more than hobbies; they were part of a rich and simple life that he cherished.
Though he wasn't a hunter himself, he loved hunting season. What he really looked forward to was when his kids, grandkids, and friends would bring home deer that needed to be processed. He would jokingly say he always got "the front shoulder"-and somehow, he was right. He just loved being part of it all.
He was a skilled woodworker, a talent passed down from his father. Whether it was building something useful or crafting a birdhouse to give to his family, Roger enjoyed working with his hands. That gift has lived on through his children and grandchildren who continue to build and fix things with the same quiet confidence he showed them.
Roger was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou Tigers, and Kansas City Chiefs. He never shied away from giving his opinion on how the teams were playing, but no matter the outcome, he remained a loyal fan.
Roger was also a talented cook, known especially for his soups. And when he wasn't the one cooking, he was often nearby, giving Linda a little smile-or a gentle eye roll-as if to say, "I'd do it this way," all in good fun and deep love.
Roger had a competitive spirit in the best kind of way. He loved playing gin rummy with Linda-sometimes getting aggravated because she would win to much-and rarely turned down a card game of any kind. In recent years, he took on a new challenge and started learning how to play chess on the computer.
Most of all, Roger had a gift for making people feel welcome. If you pulled around back to visit, you could expect a story, a laugh, and likely a cold Busch Light in your hand before long. His way of visiting was simple, genuine, and full of heart.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Linda Wuelling; three children: Kimberlia McKague (Vernon Jr.) of Holts Summit, Kris Wuelling (Amie) of Morrison, and Kurt Wuelling (Roxy) of Morrison; grandchildren: Nick McKague (Autum), Summer Verhoff (Brent), Quyncee Shockley, MaKenna Wuelling (Coby Williams), Elsey Wuelling, Kaden Wuelling, and Jaxon Wuelling; and great-grandchildren: Sophia McKague, Henlee Kuebler, Willow McKague, Huxley Porter, Oaklynn Verhoff, Rhyan Laine McKague, Kimber Verhoff, and Caroline Verhoff.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Kenadie Lynn Wuelling.
Roger leaves behind a legacy of love, quiet strength, faith, and unwavering devotion. His presence will be missed beyond words, but his memory will live on in every garden grown, every mushroom trail walked, every fish caught, every pecan cracked, every cheer for his favorite team, every handmade piece of woodwork, and every porch story told over a cold beer.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, June 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Chamois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, at the church with Fr. David Means and Rev. Msgr. David Cox officiating. Roger will be laid to rest in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Cemetery, beside his beloved parents, Frank and Dorothy Wuelling, with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Because of the care provided by St. Jude’s, Roger and Linda's great-niece, Mabry, is still here today-a true gift and blessing to their family. Donations made in Roger's memory will help ensure other families receive the same hope and healing.
Arrangements are under the direction of Millard Family Chapels, 107 South Market Street, Chamois, MO 65024 (573) 763-5658. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.