Gerald "Jerry" Hatcher

Gerald E. "Jerry" Hatcher, 79, of rural Bucyrus died Wednesday morning, September 14, 2011 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.

He was born August 19, 1932 in Holmes Twp. To the late Carl and Valeria (Staiger) Hatcher. Jerry graduated from Holmes-Liberty High School in 1950. On June 20, 1952, he married the former Jane Stuckman who survives along with their five children, Kathy (Dennis) Siefert of New Washington, Linda Hatcher of Bucyrus, Beth (Jerry) Swalley of Bucyrus, Deb (Dan) Hathaway of Fredericktown and Gary (Lynn) Hatcher of Bucyrus; 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren with one to come soon; and three nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Richard and stillborn sister.

Jerry was a private, determined, devoted family man who poured his all into his work, farming his entire life. Although unassuming, he always enjoyed getting a good prank in on his family or fellow farmers when given the chance. Never one for leftovers, he looked forward to a homecooked supper and fish at Carolyn's Kitchen on Fridays. Jerry enjoyed following sports, especially basketball and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Holidays were a great time he enjoyed being reunited with his entire family, named by Gov. Rhodes as Ohio's "Blue Ribbon Farm Family" in 1968. Jerry was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church, served on the Federal Land Bank Board, Farm Bureau Council as well as in the National Guard.

The Hatcher family will receive friends Friday, September 16 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service where the funeral will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Chelsea L. Spencer and Gene Luidhardt, S.A.M. officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Martin Luther Lutheran Church or Projects, Inc. for the new livestock building at the fairgrounds.



Visitation:

Friday, September 16, 2011 1-3 and 5-7 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Saturday, September 17, 2011 10:30 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820