Joseph Hacker

Joe died on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Sleepy Eye Medical Center at the age of 54 years. Joseph Clement Hacker was born on July 24, 1958 in Sleepy Eye, MN to Clement and Lucille (Wersal) Hacker. Joe attended St. Michael''s Elementary School and Cedar Mountain High School, before attending Willmar Area Vocational School for Auto Mechanics. He opened a mechanic shop on his family farm while continuing to farm with his dad, Clement. On October 11, 1986 Joe was united in marriage to Kathleen Marie Gareis in New Ulm, MN. Shortly after marriage, Joe and Kathy moved to Joe''s family farm near Evan, MN, where they continued crop and hog farming. Married for 26 years, Joe and Kathy valued spending time together; laughing, traveling, walking around the yard, going to the cabin, and connecting with couples groups. However, one of Joe''s greatest joys was his daughter, Elizabeth and the times they shared. He took so much pride watching her learn and grow. Throughout his life, Joe was a man of his hands. He relished all types of work on the farm and in the shop. He especially enjoyed car restoration, sharing his knowledge of Mopar muscle cars and attending car shows. Other favorite pastimes included grilling, playing cards, attending sports/plays, and building projects. Joe was a member of St. Mary''s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, MN, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was a humble spirit; always willing to drop everything for family or friends in their time of need. Throughout his life, he maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the hearts of many. He took time to appreciate the little things in life. With a dry sense of humor, a contagious smile, and a gentle manner, Joe was a man of quiet convictions. Even though his life was cut short, Joe was a living example of what it means to live life in the present. He will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by his wife - Kathleen Kathy M. Hacker of Sleepy Eye; daughter - Elizabeth (Daniel) Moldan of Brattleboro, VT; mother - Lucille ( Lloyd Johnson) Hacker of Morgan; siblings - Russ (Beth) Hacker of Morgan, Linda (Gene) Soupir of Watertown, SD, Jim (Vicky) Hacker of Morgan, and Sandy Larsen (Al) Reiser of Hutchinson; mother-in-law - Ann Jean Gareis of New Ulm; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law - Fred (Sandy) Gareis of New Ulm, Patty (Steve) Grussendorf of New Ulm, John (Loralyn) Gareis of Maple Lake, Betty (Kenny) Fortwengler of New Ulm, Amy (Brian) Doeden of Waconia, and Jim (Candy) Gareis of New Prague. He was preceded in death by his father - Clement Hacker and father-in-law - Elmer Gareis. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel 301 - 3rd Ave. S.W. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Second Visitation 7:30 am - 10:00 am Thursday, March 7, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel 301 - 3rd Ave. S.W. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Service Information 10:30 am Thursday, March 7, 2013 St. Mary's Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye 636 1st Ave. North Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Interment Information St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Morgan, MN Hwy 67 Morgan, Minnesota, United States 56266