Gerald D. Hoke

MILLERSBURG - Gerald Dennis Hoke, 85 of Millersburg PA passed away peacefully, at his residence on Saturday, July 26, 2025
He was born in Lykens PA, the son of Clair and Betty Hoke. He is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Eleanor (Jean) Hoke, his sons Gregory Hoke and Scott Hoke as well as his companion Emma Rothermel.
Gerry is survived by his daughter Barbara Jury of Millersburg, PA, his daughter Tracy (Wes) Breinich of Hilton Head, SC, a sister Carole (Lee) Snyder of Kearney MO. He is also survived by his grandchildren, who referred to him as "Gramps", Carson Hoke, Ellen Hoke, Jeff Jury, Ryan Jury, Adam Hoke, Alison Lion, Garrett Breinich and Kelly Breinich; great grandchildren, Rylee Jury, Regan Jury, Gabe Lion, Ainsley Hoke, Avalyn Hoke, Brayden Breinich, Jaxon Breinich, as well as many extended family members.
Gerry was employed with the Continental Loan Office in Millersburg, a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Lodge #364 as well as the NRA.
As a self-made businessman, his bold vision along with his wife Jean and son Gregory, turned a vacant building into a full-fledged beverage distributor, 209 Beverage, from the ground up. Strangers became regulars and regulars became new friends.
In addition, Gerry had a gift for turning older houses into homes forming lasting friendships with tenants and small business owners into friends.
He had a deep appreciation for preserving and restoring clocks, bringing a weathered truck back to life, or giving reclaimed lumber a second chance as something new. He honored the stories behind every piece.
Outside of work Gerry found great joy in the outdoors. He enjoyed, and became a proficient in trap shooting, was an avid hunter of the local lands and Susquehanna River, and travel outside of the country with his hunting buddies, family and friends. There is an old legend that includes going on hunting trips but, unfortunately, they had forgotten their guns?
His legacy lives on in those who knew him -in the stories shared, in the lessons passed from one generation to the next, and in the way we all try to live more like he did, honest, grounded, and full of ambition.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday August 15, 2025 at the Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Millersburg. The family will receive friends for visitation at 10:00 am, with services beginning at 11:00. Burial will be at St John's Lutheran Church, Berrysburg following the services.
Family and friends are then invited to a celebration of life at Gerry's cabin along the Susquehanna River.
The family would like to thank Dianne Stoneroad for her friendship and special care she provided to him.
His presence will be missed, but his spirit and grit for life will live on though his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Sons of American Legion, 527 Market Street, Millersburg PA 17061 earmarked for continued preservation and enhancement of Camp Muckelratz.
"Until we meet again "STRIKE TRUMP!"
Arrangements are being cared for by the staff of Minnich Funeral. We are honored to serve this family at our Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Millersburg location. To sign the guestbook go to www.minnichfuneral.com.