COL Gerald L. Wannarka, PhD.

Gerald “Jerry” Lee Wannarka, devoted husband, father, grandfather, officer, scientist, Boilermaker, and lifelong enthusiast of both service and speed, passed away at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jerry was born in Springfield, Minnesota, and was raised in Comfrey, where his early years revealed two enduring traits: a love of music and a fascination with engines. He sang in quartets and developed a passion for building cars, an interest that would evolve into a lifelong devotion to motorsports. Those who knew him well understood that whether in a lab, garage, or behind the wheel, Jerry believed in precision, discipline, and doing things the right way.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from South Dakota State University in 1961, followed by a Masters in Pharmacology from South Dakota State University in 1971. In 1980, he earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Purdue University School of Pharmacy, kicking off a family legacy of Boilermakers. In recognition of his distinguished career, he was later named a Distinguished Alumnus of Purdue’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences and served on the Advisory Council of Purdue's Homeland Security Institute. Three children and two grandchildren have followed in his footsteps as proud Purdue Boilermakers.

Jerry began his professional life as a community pharmacist, but his calling to serve extended far beyond the pharmacy counter. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1961 and went on to serve as an active-duty officer in the United States Army, Medical Service Corps. He retired as a Colonel in 1992. His service included deployment to U.S. Forces Korea as a Pharmacy Consultant, leadership roles as Deputy Director of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, and Director of Clinical Investigation for the Army Health Services Command. He was awarded the Legion of Merit as well as a Meritorious Service Medal with a Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster.

Following his military retirement, Jerry continued to contribute to the medical community in influential ways as Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President of Meridian Medical Technologies. There, his expertise in auto-injector research and development played a pivotal role in the development of the EpiPen auto-injector. Whether it was active-duty troops carrying one of his auto-injectors for chemical warfare defense, or a generation of EpiPen users, Jerry’s advancement of this drug delivery system has saved countless civilian lives.

Outside of his professional and military accomplishments, Jerry found joy and camaraderie on the racetrack. A passionate member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), he obtained his competition license in 1968 and maintained it for over 40 years. From Alfa Romeo to Datsuns, Nissans, VWs, Subarus, and ultimately a Honda S2000, Jerry competed with both skill and enthusiasm, earning divisional and regional championships. He later served as Chairman of the SCCA Board of Directors and was honored with the Woolf Barnato Award and the David Morrell Award for his long and distinguished service. In 2026, he was inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame joining a prestigious group of motorsports greats.

Jerry’s catholic faith was a steady presence throughout his life. He shared his musical talents by singing and playing guitar in his church choirs, which culminated with a performance at the Vatican.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Pool Wannarka; his children: Sarah Wannarka; Emily Wannarka Gary, son-in-law Daniel, with grandchildren Jonah and Lucas Gary; Jedediah Wannarka; Zachary Wannarka; and Joshua Wannarka, daughter-in-law Tandy, with grandchildren Brooks and Maggie Wannarka; Bonnie Pool Wannarka's children: Dan Pipal (Kim) and Jennifer Eaton (Jason); and his former wife, Mae Williams Wannarka. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Alice Leonard (Richard), Rita Wing, and Norma Ginter (Michael).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Daniel Wannarka and Florence Lang Wannarka, and brother-in-law James Wing.

Jerry will be remembered as a man of deep intellect, integrity, and a man who met his calling to serve others. He was a leader who served his country, advanced science with purpose, and still found time to enjoy the simple thrill of a well-tuned engine or an evening boat ride in Minnesota. He leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment and a life fully lived.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, located at 2102 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, Texas 78232.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Honey Creek, located at 25781 State Highway 46 W, Spring Branch, Texas 78070.

Interment will follow with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Make A Wish- Central and South Texas.