Gerald "Jerry" Hoover

Gerald L. Hoover, 66, of Galion died Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Woodside Village Care Center in Mount Gilead. He fought a courageous battle with esophageal cancer for two years.

He was born in Galion on December 25, 1946, a Christmas gift to the late Robert and Esther (Stogie) Hoover. Jerry graduated from Galion High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Army that fall, serving during Vietnam until his discharge in 1968. He went to work for ITT in Galion where he was introduced to a co-worker, Sue Auck. After several calls, Sue agreed to a date and they began to grow on one another. Jerry and Sue were married June 30, 1973. Upon the closure of ITT, Jerry worked for Pamida Stores until retirement.

Jerry is survived by his bride of nearly 40 years, Sue; children, Aubray (Craig) Ahlefeld of Galion, Ben (Christina) Hoover of Bucyrus and Brianna (Rob Grogg) Hoover of Galion; grandchildren, Carson, Jayden and Addisyn Ahlefeld, Emily and Courtney, Jacob Morgan, Ethan Hoover and Elizabeth Adams; sisters, Shirley (Ed) Williams of Florida and Delores (William) Wolfe of Galion along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Hoover; nephew, Shawn Freeman and niece, Linda Brown.

Jerry will be remembered as an easygoing guy with a good sense of humor who loved his family dearly and was always there for them. As his children were born, he enjoyed playing with them, giving "elephant rides," attending their various events and vacations throughout the U.S. His grandchildren could always count on finding chocolate in Poppie's blue bag, playing school, taking drives and giving hugs. Jerry was a big sports fan and devoted follower of Ohio State, Cleveland Browns and Indians and the Galion Tigers. He was a man of devout faith since his teens. Jerry read his Bible every day, enjoyed singing and listening to music and worshiping at Hope Church in Sulphur Springs.

The Hoover family will receive friends Wednesday, April 10 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Church in Sulphur Springs with Dr. Rich Rader and Pastor Silas Beal officiating. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 181 Honor Guards.

Memorial contributions should be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Hope Church through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

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



Service:

Thursday, April 11, 2013 11:00 a.m.

4935 South St., Sulphur Springs, Ohio



Cemetery:

Brokensword Cemetery, Brokensword, Ohio