Gerald “Jerry” Hartwell, age 88, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on August 19, 2026, at 4:10 am with his wife, Nancy, and special friend Donna Phoenix at his side.
Jerry was born in Centralia, IL, on January 6, 1938, to Aletha Hartwell. He attended Sandoval High School where he was a pitcher for the baseball team. Jerry then attended Kaskaskia College, where he studied business. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Jerry then returned to Sandoval, where he met Nancy Kagy, his wife of almost 67 years. Soon after, they wed on September 18, 1959, moved to the Chicago area, and were blessed with two daughters. They stayed in that area for 15 years, then moved to Salem. A professional career highlight of Jerry’s was being elected President of the Graphic Arts International Union at Salem Gravure. He enjoyed extensive travel with the union and meeting one of his long -time political heroes, Senator Paul Simon. After retiring from Salem Gravure, Jerry and Nancy loved traveling to Texas and Florida during the winter months, where they made several new friends. Jerry also loved golfing during their various travels, as well as locally. Jerry will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Hartwell of Salem; daughters, Marcea Hartwell Hammock and husband Kenneth of Fort Mill, SC and Debra (Hartwell) Manning of El Dorado Hills, CA; grandchildren, Tiffany Bertolini and husband James, Zachary Manning and husband Travis Mason, and Keith Hammock and fiancé Kristina Wang; and great-grandchildren, Eli and Ethan Bertolini.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Aletha; his younger sister, Beverly (Hartwell) Rimmer; and son-in-law, Larry Manning.
Funeral Services for Gerald “Jerry” Hartwell will be held at Crouse Funeral Home on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 1:30 pm until the service. Burial will follow at Summit Prairie Cemetery in Salem. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grace United Methodist Church or Summit Prairie Cemetery and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
