Terry J. Wilund passed away on January 24, 2026 at the age of 79. Terry was a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) in the United States Army and flew helicopters during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement).
He continued his military service with the Missouri National Guard during his career.
Terry worked for the St. Louis County Police department for 16 years, where he flew the police helicopter and served as the flight instructor for incoming pilots. He later flew for ARCH Air Medical Services for 19 years, which included flying the “Kid Copter”, before his retirement.
Over the course of his flying career, Terry accumulated more than 18,600 accident-free flight hours. He often said, “I can’t believe that I get paid for doing something I enjoy so much”
He has truly affected the lives of so many and will be greatly missed.
Surviving Terry are his wife Rita Marie (Dressler), Son Erik (Stacey) Wilund, Daughter Dana (Ryan) Oelzen, grandsons Luke and Grant Oelzen and brothers Tim and Ken Wilund.
Visitation to be held Monday, February 2nd, from 4-9 pm at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Mehlville, MO 63129
Funeral Tuesday, February 3rd, at 10:30 am Kutis South County Chapel
Military burial with full honors to follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Alzheimer’s Association appreciated.