Gerald "Jerry" Vernon Hackman

Gerald “Jerry” Vernon Hackman passed away peacefully with his wife by his side at Mason District Hospital in Havana on September 3, 2023 at the age of 79.

He was born in Canton, Illinois on November 19, 1943, the only child of the late Vernon and Pauline Hackman. He graduated from Havana High School and spent several years in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam Era.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Christina (Dringenberg) Hackman of 27 years, along with his sons, Shane (Kelly) Hackman of Bloomington, Illinois and Troy (Brooke) Hackman of Kilbourne, as well as step-children, Joe (Emily) Connell of Spring, Texas and Mandi (Dan) Bailey of Pekin, Illinois, along with his surviving 10 grandchildren, Morghan, Kaileb, Lyndsey, and Jace Hackman, Olivia Summers, Sable, Zoe, and Skylar Cartwright, and Katherine Connell and 3 step-grandchildren, Kaleb and Karlie Flinn and Olivia Summers. Jerry is fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Barb Kramer of Pekin, Illinois, Deborah (Gary) Cartwright of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Vicki (Mel) Canada of Manito, Illinois, and brothers-in-law, Dave (Christy) Dringenberg of Delavan, Illinois, Jerry (Lil) Dringenberg of Puyallup, Washington, and Larry (Sunnie) Dringenberg of Newport News, Virginia. He was predeceased by his grandson, Brady Hackman.
Jerry worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 36 years. He retired in 2001 after spending most of his career in accounting. He was an avid duck hunter and bowler in his early years, a fan of Nascar and the White Sox. He was also a member and past Commander of VFW Post #6408 in Havana. Jerry had a passion for baseball cards, collectables, and antiques. He and his wife owned the Havana Antique Emporium in Havana and What-A-Hit Baseball Card Shop in Delavan, Illinois for many years. Jerry enjoyed gathering with friends and family often to play cards and marbles. His legendary fresh squeezed lemonade was the BEST according to his grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana, Illinois on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. James Terrell will officiate. Military detail will be provided by VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s name to Whitney’s Walk for Life (https://carle.org/giving/make-a-gift?location=peoria). Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.