Gerald Hawley Obituary

Gerald "Jake" Hawley, born June 20, 1933, in Wolsey, South Dakota, passed away on January 21, 2025, in Medina, Ohio. He was 91 years old. Jake is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann (Drey) Hawley, and their children: Janine (Dale) Girard of Kernersville, NC, Todd (Marsha) Hawley of Sylvania, OH, Kurt (Janet) Hawley of Medina, OH, and Melissa (Michael) McConnell of Overland Park, KS. He was a cherished grandfather to Lauren (Max) McKee, Ryan Hawley, Morgan (Daniel) Barnes, Emma Hawley, Erin Hawley, Mattie Girard, Claire McConnell, Derek Girard, and Grace McConnell, and a proud great-grandfather to Jack and Kalvin McKee.
Jake overcame many hardships as a young man but never let that hold him back or define his legacy. He always was determined to do better, be better, and provide better for everyone he
knew.
Jake lost his father at a young age and his life could have taken many turns. His family marvels at his journey and takes pride in his accomplishments. He was a father to four, but willingly, openly, and compassionately fathered many as a teacher, coach, friend, and mentor over the years. He was the first in his family to attend college, receiving a scholarship for basketball & academics. Amazingly enough, the first football game Jake ever saw was his freshman year. It also happened to be the one he started in as an offensive linemen! He went on to play both offense and defense, and was inducted into the Huron College Hall of Fame due to his success on the gridiron.
He served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in the 1950s, and was a part of the Navy-Marine All-Star football team. After his service, he began a career as a math teacher and coach in Nebraska. A few moves later with his bride Ann and three kids in tow, he transitioned to a successful tenure with State Farm Insurance, which led to one more child and five more moves before retiring in 1995. Yes, he is the "original" Jake from State Farm. Jake was an avid and competitive golfer with countless holes-in-one -- his most recent one in the Spring of 2024. He spent many memorable years playing at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida. We can all still picture Jake's left foot hanging off the side with his wide-brimmed hat as he cruised in a cart to his next shot. Jake was also a savvy card player, with a passion for playing gin and poker. His card groups at Olde Hickory were always a highlight of his week.
Even though he embraced the family motto of "it's not about the money, it's about the memories," Jake enjoyed life's simple pleasures, including some favorites: vodka and Squirt, a glass of Livingston Cabernet, dancing with Ann, and listening to his grandchildren giggle and watching them grow. Jake signed every card he gave to Ann with "All my love." We are fortunate that all his love didn't end on January 21. It carries on in each of us because we had him in our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Wolsey Community Foundation (https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/local-impact/community-foundations/wolsey) or the Burke Community Foundation (https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/local-impact/community-foundations/burke), reflecting Jake's lifelong commitment to education and the communities where he and Ann grew up, met, and were married in 1959.
A celebration of Jake's life will take place at a later date in Herrick, South Dakota.