Robert Hacker

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

5:30 to 9 p.m., on Friday, July 14, 2017 at Bye the Willow Lounge, 501 N. High Street, Chippewa Falls.

Robert E. Hacker, 76, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side, due to progressive motor neuron disease, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Wissota Place in Chippewa Falls.

Robert was born on March 8, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI to Erwin and Genevieve (Golner) Hacker. He graduated from Marquette High School with the class of 1959. Robert served his country with the United States Air Force, earning his Honorable Discharge in March of 1968. He married Judith Rosenthal on October 12, 1968 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. Robert worked for Ed Phillips and Sons as a computer programmer for 20 years. He then worked for the USPS as a mail carrier for 15 years, retiring in 2003.

Robert was a very skilled woodworker, crafting many treasured pieces for family and friends, as well as making Hope Chests for newly baptized children of Central Lutheran Church, where he was a member. He was an avid volunteer, contributing countless hours to Feed My People Food Bank of Eau Claire, Mobile Meals of Chippewa Falls, and the Rutledge Home in Chippewa Falls, where he brought his granddaughter to assist him with bingo. Robert loved traveling, which included taking his family to London, Vancouver, BC, and Paris. He made many solo trips to the Southwest to explore the national parks at his own leisure. He thoroughly loved the outdoors, including landscaping and gardening, taking his golden retriever on daily walks, and just enjoying the peacefulness of nature. Robert had an appreciation for the Arts, bringing his family to numerous theatrical plays and musicals. He was a loving and caring man who cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his children, Christopher (Katrina) Hacker of Onalaska, WI, Jennifer (Todd) Dreger of Chippewa Falls, and Amanda Hacker of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Alayna, Adelyn and Camden Dreger; brother, William (Karen) Hacker, of New Berlin, WI; ex-wife, Judith Hacker of Chippewa Falls; along with one niece, many nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and aunts & uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m., on Friday, July 14, 2017 at Bye the Willow Lounge, 501 N. High Street, Chippewa Falls. Per Robert's request, no formal funeral service will be held.

His daughters wish to commend the staff at Wissota Place for providing exceptional care to Robert, especially in his final weeks and days. He had his favorites and they treated him like family. For that, we are forever grateful.