Henry L. "Hank" Hawickhorst (89) of Teutopolis

Henry L. (Hank) Hawickhorst, 89, of Teutopolis, IL passed away Wednesday, May 19 at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, Effingham, IL. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Hank was born September 17, 1931 to John and Philomena (Minnie Rechtine) Hawickhorst. He attended Teutopolis High School and Railroad School in Omaha, NE. Hank worked briefly for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was employed 40 years at Merz Sheet Metal Company in Effingham, IL where he worked primarily as a Commercial Estimator. Hank was always happy to engage in conversation with friends and acquaintances. He was an avid golfer for much of his life, enjoying Saturday outings with his regular group of friends. Hank enjoyed T-town basketball games and Cardinal baseball games. Traveling was also a passion of his, taking many trips domestic and abroad with his wife, Norma who was a loving partner for 70 years. Throughout his life, Hank was involved in many volunteer/charitable organizations including the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus and the Teutopolis Volunteer Fire Department. He was Treasurer for the Teutopolis Monastery Museum.

Hank is survived by his wife, Norma; daughters: Marla Bushur of Effingham, IL and LeAnn (Mike) Buening of Teutopolis, IL; son: Bryan (Inez Wilson) Hawickhorst of St. Peters, MO; six grandchildren: Jeremy (Ariella Ibarra) Bushur of Edwardsville, IL, Kelly (Woody) Heuerman of Teutopolis, IL, Jessica (Justin) Brasel of Edwardsville, IL, Michael (Jamie Zerrusen) Buening of Teutopolis, IL, Amanda (Nick Robbins) Brim of Branson, MO, Billy (Samantha Ganninger) Hawickhorst of St. Peters, MO; and 13 great-grand children.

Hank was preceded in death by his son, Alan, his parents John and Philomena (Minnie), and two brothers Thomas and William who died in infancy.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 23rd from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bauer Funeral Home, Effingham, IL. A funeral mass celebrating Hank’s life will be Monday, May 24th at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, IL with burial in the parish cemetery.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital for their care, compassion and support.