GERALD "JERRY" ANTHONY HAWICKHORST, 84, of Columbia, IL, born August 8, 1933, in Teutopolis, IL, died Monday, December 25, 2017, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Hawickhorst was a retired contracting manager for the Defense Logistics Agency. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary, nee Habing, Hawickhorst and two brothers, Bob Hawickhorst and Father Maurus Hawickhorst, OFM.

Surviving are his wife of over 59 years, Norma J. Hawickhorst, nee Bushue; his children, Gregg (Julie) Hawickhorst of Columbia, IL, Mark Hawickhorst of Columbia, MO, Brad (Robin) Hawickhorst of Portsmouth, VA, Lynn (Joe) Schmader of Wildwood, MO, Kurt (LeAnn) Hawickhorst of Virginia Beach, VA, and Kay Hawickhorst of Millersville, MD; his siblings, Marie Schmidt of Effingham IL, Ben (Sandy) Hawickhorst of Des Peres, MO, Rose Ann (Ron) Croak of St. Louis, MO, Joan (Roger) Newenham of Dieterich, IL, and Richard (Wendy) Hawickhorst of Teutopolis, IL, twelve grandchildren, Kevin, Carrie, David, Amber, Nicole (Justin), Leigh, Bryan, Anna, Laura, Scott, Matt, and Josh; and two great grandchildren, Winter and Oliver. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Memorials may be made to the VA St. Louis Fisher House, P.O. Box 998, Fenton, MO 63026.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Friday, December 29, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, IL. A Memorial Mass will follow at 12:00 noon with Msgr. Carl Scherrer officiating. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.