Gerald Peter "Jerry" Paskert

October 16, 1930 - July 28, 2025

Decatur - Gerald Peter "Jerry" Paskert, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Decatur, Il. Born on October 16, 1930, in West Mifflin, Pa., to Katherine (Froehlich) and Henry Peter Paskert, Jerry lived a life of kindness, generosity, and humility.

Jerry and Fay Adams of Buffalo Mills, Pa., were married on November 26, 1955, in Pittsburgh. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in November. Together they raised two children, Kim (Steve) Crawford of Decatur, Ill., and Jerry (Amy) Paskert of St. Louis, Mo.

Jerry earned his license as a funeral director and embalmer in 1952. He was drafted in 1953 by the Army and proudly served his country as a medic in France during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Upon returning home he moved to Johnstown, Pa., working for Henderson Funeral Home until 1960. He then transitioned to a long and successful career as a sales representative for the Champion Chemical Co., traveling and calling on funeral homes across the state of Illinois until his retirement in 1998.

Jerry was a man of many talents and interests. He loved to cook for Fay, and he perfected the art of pie baking. He loved to play golf, having many buddies in his Decatur men's golf leagues, all of whom were so kind in the later years watching his ball for him! He was a diehard Pittsburgh Pirates fan, loved sports and loved teaching and coaching his family. He enjoyed his weekly poker game, playing pinochle and going to the casino.

Jerry was a devout Catholic his entire life, living his faith best by how he treated everyone he met. He is survived by his loving wife and children; and his grandchildren who were the loves of his life, Kristi (Ryan) Strauser, Kaitlyn Crawford and fiancé Christian Telle, Jake (Hailey) Paskert, Ben Paskert, Hunter Paskert; and great-grandchild, Sophia Strauser. "Grandpa Hacker," as he was lovingly known to his family, will be deeply missed by all.

A private family Mass will be held for Jerry at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Inurnment will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.

Moran & Goebel Funeral Home

2801 N. Monroe St.

Decatur, IL 62526

217-875-2004

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Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Aug. 2, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Paskert

Sponsored by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

4 Entries

Cherri Queitzsch

August 7, 2025

RIP Jerry

There are times when the right words just don´t exist .....

Times when feelings are too deep to be expressed. At this sad time may it bring you some peace and comfort to know that caring thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends.

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in ever act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories, hold onto those memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.

Don Clary

August 4, 2025

I graduated mortuary school in 1993 and started my apprenticeship at J.J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home. Jerry was our Champion Representative and he was THE nicest man. I never saw Jerry NOT smiling. Rest in peace, Jerry.

Danny Six

August 4, 2025

I knew Jerry from nex door neighbors Leonard´s, I poured a little concrete for him , he was very nice person

Melanie Long

August 2, 2025

Faye and Jerry were friends of my parents Cletus and Virginia Reed for many years. Both in the funeral business as embalmers and then into sales. All 4 golfers. Enjoyed their yearly summer conventions for years. You have my condolences Melanie Reed Long

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