Carl Hacker, 1927-2014

Published 9:44 am Monday, November 10, 2014

Carl Hacker, 87, of Albert Lea, formerly of rural Emmons, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Oak Park Place in Albert Lea.

Carl Hacker

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mansfield Lutheran Church in rural Alden with the Rev. Donald Rose officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will take place at Lime Creek (Stateline) Cemetery in rural Emmons.

The family would welcome memorials, in Carl’s name, to Mayo Crossroads Hospice and Mansfield Church Stained Glass Fund.

Carl Hacker was born March 8, 1927, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the son of Max and Mable (Johnson) Hacker. Carl was baptized in Eagle Grove and confirmed his faith at Lime Creek Lutheran in rural Emmons. He graduated from Emmons High School.

On Oct. 2, 1948, Carl married Elsie Benson at Zion Lutheran Church in Mansfield Township. They lived on the same farm in rural Emmons for 66 years within sight of his childhood home. Carl and Elsie were proud parents of five children.

Carl was an active member of Emmons, Twin Lakes and Albert Lea senior citizens groups and held many offices. He enjoyed bingo, fishing, travel and Jeopardy as he would always get the most correct answers.

He was on the Mansfield Township board for 18 years and played dart ball for both Lime Creek and Mansfield Church teams.

Carl was a farmer, carpenter and handyman. He shared his love of farm life with his 11 great-grandchildren as he treated them to tractor rides, digging potatoes and helping with his pet chickens.

Family time was precious to him, especially when all gathered to fill the house to overflowing. Many cups of coffee and card games were shared with good friends over the years.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, Elsie, of Albert Lea; children Virginia (Robert) Neisen of Mahnomen, Karen Greenfield of Albert Lea, Sue McInnes of Stewartville, Richard Hacker of Byron and Bennett (Renee) Hacker of  Albert Lea; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Lisa) Neisen, Laura (Shane) Clark, Dyon (Wendy) Greenfield, Linnea (Mike) Petersen, Billy (Desi) Hacker, Donald McInnes and Nathanial (Naomi) Hacker; 11 great-grandchildren, Ethan and Emily Clark, Ethan and Kate Greenfield, Riley and Ali-Jean Petersen and Anthony, Kayla, Samantha Hacker, Belle and Thomas Huntley; brothers and sisters and brothers and sisters-in-law Edythe Thompson, Raymond (Marlys) Hacker, Robert Hacker, Gordon (Jeanne) Hacker, Eldon Benson, Lois Benson and Arlene Levine; along with special cousins, many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters and brothers and sisters-in-law Albert (Helen) Hacker, Frank (Bette) Hacker, Andrew (Darlene) Hacker, Myrtle (Morris) Spires, Maxine (Lester) Helland, Duane Thompson, Mary Hacker, Gordon Benson, Vernon Benson.

Carl’s family would like to send a special thank you to the Oak Park Place and Crossroads Hospice staff for their caring support.

You can contact the family with on-line condolences at www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.