Gerald A. 'Jerry' Hawke

Gerald A. 'Jerry' Hawke, 85, of Lodi, Ohio, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Ohio's Hospice Life Care in Wooster. He was born September 21, 1939 in Elyria, Ohio, to the late Kenneth and Esther (Frombaugh) Hawke. Jerry will be remembered for his warmth, devotion to family, and love for animals. A 1958 graduate of Columbia High School, he was active in multiple sports and extracurricular activities. He remained close with his classmates, attending annual reunions that celebrated lifelong friendships. Throughout his life, Jerry was deeply involved in his children's lives: coaching multiple sports, cheering at horse shows, and always offering unwavering support. After retiring from General Motors, he enjoyed 26 years of well-earned retirement, continuing to enrich the lives of those around him. One of Jerry's greatest gifts to his family was a condominium in Hilton Head, South Carolina, where countless cherished memories were made with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also found joy in being a partner in harness racehorses for over 40 years, a passion that brought him lasting friendships and excitement. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, John 'Jack' Hawke of Litchfield, Ohio; and his grandson, Garrett Blake of Wadsworth, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carol Munson Hawke; daughters, Beth Ann (Ted) Parks of Bay Village, Kelly (Bob) Blake of Wadsworth; son, Daniel (Vanessa) Hawke of Litchfield; and sister, Janet (Robert) Plato of Litchfield. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kyle Blake of Akron, Joseph (Courtney) Bennett of Wadsworth, Sean Parks of Bay Village, Hannah Hawke of Lorain; great-grandchildren, Riley and Layla Blake, Harper and Emi Bennett; and three nieces. Jerry's legacy lives on in the love he shared and the memories he helped create. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A private graveside ceremony in Lakewood Park Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Jerry's name to Ohio's Hospice Life Care, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691. The Bauer Funeral Home, Valley City has the honor of serving the Hawke family.