Gale "Whitey" Hunerkoch

Gale “Whitey” Hunerkoch, age 85 of Metropolis, Illinois passed away at 5:19 am on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A funeral service with military rites will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home with Rev. David Deem officiating.

Gale was born on September 19, 1938 in Massac County, IL, to Harold and Evelyn (Dummeier) Hunerkoch. He married Ellen “Corky” Padalik on August 13, 1965. Gale was a dedicated family man always working hard to provided for his family. He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #306 in Metropolis and served for many years on the honor guard providing military honors to his comrades.   

Gale is survived by his children, Chrissy Mayer (Mindy), Valerie Hunerkoch, Lori Hunerkoch (Delores Powell), and Angie Hunerkoch; grandchildren, Jessica Buurman (Rich), Timothy Dorobiala, Noel Rutar, Shelby Ashley (Dalton), Laisha Mayer, Zion Mayer, Chris Powell, and Jon Powell; great grandchildren, Meagan, Stokelyn, Lidia, and J.J.; sister, Margie Obermark; brother, Earl Hunerkoch (Dixie); many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents; step father, Alvin Horstman; wife of 57 years, Ellen “Corky” Hunerkoch; brother, Wayne Hunerkoch.

 A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon to 2 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gale’s name to Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2601 North Avenue, Metropolis, Illinois 62960.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com

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