Garrett Hunerkoch, 18 of Metropolis,IL, was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Forthman officiating.
Garrett attended grade school at Franklin Elementary in Metropolis and was set to graduate from Vienna High School. He was an active member of the FFA, 4H, and Auto Body program.
From child to a young man, Garrett loved the outdoors. He knew he was meant to work the land with his own hands from what he learned about farming and tractors from his grandfathers. He took great pride in his accomplishments, including purchasing his own equipment to begin a custom haying businesses, H&M Hay Makers, alongside Logan Markus and Hunerkoch Hay.
Garrett was known for his work ethic, always having time to say hello and share a smile with those around him and being one of the best uncles ever. A man of faith, Garrett showed quiet strength, kindness, and compassion to both the strong and the meek. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He leaves behind his loving mother, LaRonda Helland (Luther); his father, Randall Hunerkoch; his sister, Madison Pickel (Janson); and his brothers, Wyatt, Rhett, and Kegahn Helland; sisters, Ashlyn Lilly (Kenneth) and Lauren Allbritten (Jordan) and their families; nephew Jaxson Pickel, grandparents, Earl and Dixie Hunerkoch, Edwina Woolard and Carol Helland.
Garrett was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Gilbert Woolard and Nelson Helland.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 14th at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given in Garrett’s name to the Garrett Hunerkoch Memorial Scholarship, (which will be set up as an Automotive Scholarship at Shawnee Community College) c/o Loftus-McManus Funeral Home, PO Box 760, Metropolis, IL, 62960, or to the Vienna High School Agriculture Program, 601 North 1st Street, Vienna, IL, 62995.
Condolences for the family may be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.
