Charles "Chuck" Wankum Jr., age 53, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City. He was born in Jefferson City on August 10, 1963, son of the late Charles John and Helen Marie (Schroeder) Wankum. On June 11, 1983, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in St. Anthony, Chuck married Denise Brand, who survives at the home.

Chuck is a 1981 graduate of Vienna High School. He currently worked for Questec Mechanical and also owned and operated C&D Market and Charleytown Quick Shop in St. Elizabeth.

Chuck was a member of Knights of Columbus, St. Elizabeth Fire Department, and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.

In addition to his loving wife, Denise, he is also survived by three children, Rachel Oligschlaeger and husband Tom, Darren Wankum and wife Sarah, and Ashley Juergensmeyer and husband Brandon all of St. Elizabeth; six grandchildren, Ava and Easton Oligschlaeger, Abram and Bodie Wankum, and Rowan and Brock Juergensmeyer; two sisters, Mary Kay Frazier and husband Mike of Meta and Carol Verhoff and husband Tony of Westphalia; three brothers, Allen Wankum and wife Lois of Meta, Danny Wankum and wife Jennifer of Meta, and Jerome "Jerry" Wankum and wife Jacqueline of Meta; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Wankum Sr. and Helen Wankum; sister, Barb Scheulen, brother-in-law, Robert Scheulen; and infant brother, Ricky Wankum.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 8, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Fr. Joby Thomas will officiate. Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m., on Sunday, May 7, at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Charles Wankum Memorial Fund.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.