Published on November 13, 2026 9:08 am
Last Updated on November 13, 2026 9:08 am
Gerald L. Wyckoff, 93, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at his home in Effingham.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026, at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with Jeff Michaels officiating. Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be held in Oakridge Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to any local veterans’ organization. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com.
Gerald was born on January 8, 1933 in Effingham, the son of Gail and Sarah (Ulrich) Wyckoff. Gerald married the love of his life, Doris Jean Devore, on Christmas Day in 1952. She preceded him in death on May 10, 2025. Following a honeymoon in Nashville, the couple made their first home in an apartment at the Austin Mansion in Effingham.
Doris and Gerald lived for a time in Texas while Gerald served in the military. They also lived in Indiana before returning to Illinois in 1970. They purchased 13⅓ acres in Shumway, where they built a home, along with a large chicken farm and greenhouse. They sold their property in 1989 and moved back to Effingham.
Gerald worked for Lustig Cabinets and then later opened his own business, Wyckoff Woodworking, where he spent many years in “Pop’s Shop” creating custom cabinetry and furniture. He was referred to as “Elvi” as he shared his birthday with Elvis.
He is survived by his children Steve (Kathy) Wyckoff and Cindy (Dave) Julius; son-in-law, Jerry (Lea) Herrmann, and brother-in-law, Glen E. “Pete” Devore. Gerald was a proud grandfather to Ryan (Sarah) Wyckoff, Jodi (Jeff) Tirevold, Jonathon (Kylee) Julius, Jill (Jared) Sprau, Jennifer (Aaron) Jones, Jacob (Michelle) Herrmann, Jason (Kelsey) Herrmann, and Julie (Robert) Hicks. He was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; beloved daughter, Kitty Jo Hermann; and sister-in-law, Wanda (Paul) Finfrock.