Willard Paul Gerstkemper, 89 of Hoyleton, passed away at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at his residence.  He was born on August 26, 1926 in Hoyleton the son of Paul and Helen Redeker Gerstkemper.  He married Darlene Stiegman on May 22, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden and she passed away on September 20, 2006.  Also preceding him in death were his parents, a brother; Harlan and wife Hilda Gerstkemper and 3 brother in laws; Stanley Stiegman, Kenneth Twenhafel and Ralph Johnson.  Left to mourn his passing is a son; Jeffrey Gerstkemper of Hoyleton.  A daughter; Amy (Bill) Hafford of Hoyleton.  4 grandchildren; Chelsey Hafford and fiance’ Will Kellerman of Pinckneyville, Lindsey and Mandey Hafford both of Hoyleton and Tyler (Ali) Hafford of Murray, KY.  2 great grandchildren; Peyton and Parker Hafford.   2 sisters; Vera Johnson of Centralia and Doris (Reggie) Weihe of Hoffman.  A brother in law; Edwin “JR.” ( Palma) Stiegman of Nashville and 2 sister in laws; Carolyn Stiegman of Nashville and Geraldine Twenhafel of New Minden, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Willard was a lifelong farmer in the Hoyleton area and an Army veteran of the Korean War.  He was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton where he directed the men’s choir.  He was a member and past commander of the Hoyleton American Legion Post and current member of the Hoyleton Lions club.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed drinking coffee and Hershey’s chocolate and spending time with his grandchildren and attending their school and sporting events.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton with Rev. Darwin Schrader officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites accorded by the Nashville American Legion Post #110.  Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton and one hour prior to services on Monday.  Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School.  Styninger Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Hoyleton is in charge of arrangements.

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