Richard P. Hawker

Richard P. Hawker, 92, of Rochester, passed away on December 23, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on March 3, 1926 in Springfield to Henry and Alma Sturm Hawker. Richard married Martha D. Kusch on February 22, 1947 in Springfield and she preceded him in death on October 18, 2017.

Mr. Hawker is survived by two children: Fred (Donna) Hawker of Rochester and Carol (Sam) Spengler of Colorado Springs, Colorado, four grandchildren: Dr. Kimberly Hawker-Heimer(Dr. Brian) Heimer, William (Mary) Spengler, David Spengler and Dr. Nicholas (Mildred) Hawker, six great-grandchildren: Briah Hawker, Branden Spengler, Graesyn Heimer and Abigail, Madelyn and Zachary Spengler and one sister Mary Ann (Fred) Piper. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Charles and Harry Hawker.

Richard was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Europe during World War II. He worked as a photo engraver and was a founding partner of Metal Décor, making and designing commemorative channel plaques and awards for hospitals and universities, local and worldwide. Richard enjoyed woodworking, golf and taking pride in doing most things himself. He and his wife, Martha, were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over seventy years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday December 31, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 West Washington Street, and burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 9:30am until the time of service Monday at church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.