Gerhard Jung

Gerhard Jung, 87, of Quincy, IL formerly of Bowen, IL passed away at 12:15 am Sunday August 16, 2026 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

He was born April 28, 1939 Belchatow, Poland, son of Andreas and Olga Marks Jung. He was married to Audine Lubker Wollbrink June 27, 1962 Mendon Lutheran Church, Mendon, IL. She precedes him in death May 28, 2017.

Gerhard’s family was forced to flee the family farm in 1945 from invasion of the Russians into Poland. The escape was in a wagon drawn by a team of horses. While escaping, they crossed a bridge that was blown up moments after crossing. The United States was the next destination to begin his lifelong career for the love of education. Gerhard was a 1958 graduate of Unity High School, then graduated Western Illinois University 1962, Millikin University 1966, and back to Western Illinois University 1973. His career started in 1962 and lasted 5 decades. Mr. Jung taught mathematics in Edinburg, IL. While there, he attended nearby Millikin University in Decatur at night, acquiring his Master’s degree. Gerhard heard from an old friend, a biology teacher he had at Unity High School, who happened to be the Superintendent at Bowen High, and needed a principal. Little did he know upon taking that job, his whirlwind tour had begun, taking him through 10 area high schools in 4 counties. Bowen led to Colchester, where he also pulled double duty as a student himself, back at Western Illinois University to earn his 6th year Education Specialist degree. Then, the call came from Augusta High School, where a unique opportunity presented itself; Augusta and Bowen had decided to consolidate, and they wanted Gerhard to become the Superintendent of the new Southeastern School District. He stayed in that position for 16 years. Finally, returning for retirement at Unity High School as Superintendent. After retirement, he followed up with 5 school districts as Interim Superintendents. He belonged to the local Lions Club Organization, Educational Organization IASA, Lifetime member of the NEA, and Mayor of Bowen, IL. Hobbies included traveling to every state except Hawaii, gardening, attending grandchildren’s ball games. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan.

He is survived by a son; Tyler Jung of Bowen, IL, a daughter, Trenda Jung of Quincy, IL, a step-daughter, Tyrella (Dennis) Sherrick of Bowen, IL, step-son, Travis (Donna) Wollbrink of Geneseo, IL, seven grandchildren, Brittany (Chad) Bruening of Mendon, IL, Brianne (David) Walker of Camp Point, IL., Brayden (Liz) Sherrick of Minooka, IL, Justin (MacKenzie) Wollbrink of Quincy, IL, Jordan (Anna) Wollbrink of Houston, TX, Jared (Donnely) Jung of Loraine, IL, Jacob Jung of Loraine, IL, nine great-grandchildren, Audrey and Amelia Bruening, Collin and Evan Walker, Wyler Sherrick, Beckett Wollbrink, Jared Jung Jr., Clara Wollbrink and Emmaline Wollbrink, one great-great granddaughter, Montana Walker, two brothers, Waldemar Jung and Herman (Judy) Jung, a brother-in-law, Vern (Dianne) Lubker and two sisters-in-law, Florence Martens and Theresa (Kent) Harness.

He was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Benita Jung and Tricia Lubker and three brothers-in-law, Al Cohlmeyer and Paul Martens and Bob Lubker.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday August 20, 2026 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, IL. Burial will follow at New Providence cemetery near Ursa, IL. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday August 19, 2026 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southeastern Food Pantry or New Providence Cemetery.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling arrangements.