Overview

• Gary Wolfelt, 72, was killed in a small plane crash in Ashland County, Ohio, on May 5 while flying a single-engine plane he spent 17 years building.
• Known for his humor, Wolfelt authored his own obituary, opening with 'I am completely dead now,' and reflecting on close calls he survived throughout his life.
• His obituary detailed a series of near-death experiences, including a horse kick, a fly ball to the head, and falling down stairs with a safe behind him.
• A Purdue aviation technology alumnus and founder of Wolfelt Electronic Security, he also built and flew a helicopter earlier in his life.
• In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral; instead, donations to animal rescues are requested, and a public celebration of life is planned in Lafayette, Indiana.