Richard L. Hacker

Richard Lowell Hacker, the son of Chris and Gurina (Truelsen) Hacker, was born August 18, 1924, on the family farm northeast of Havelock, Iowa. It was here that he would spend his happy youthful years. He attended Havelock school where he participated in sports, with football and baseball being his favorite. He graduated from Havelock High School on May 13, 1943.
Richard was baptized into Christ Jesus at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mallard, Iowa on October 5, 1924, with his cousins Leeta Reents and Luella Truelsen, serving as sponsors. Richard later professed his Baptismal vows through the sacred rite of Holy Confirmation on May 29, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mallard, Iowa before the Rev. Carl F. Hinrichs. His confirmation verse was 1 Tim. 6,12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. This he has remained faithful to all of his earthly life.
Richard served in the United States Navy from September 11, 1943 to May 19, 1946, when he was honorably discharged as a machinist mate 3rd class. Upon returning home Richard worked for Jackson construction in Emmetsburg, Iowa where he lived with sister Marion and family on the farm by Ruthven. Then he entered into farming with his father and brothers, in the Bradgate and Ottosen areas. Soon after he would meet his future bride-to-be, the former Ms. Dolores Schoon, of Fort Dodge, Iowa at a dance. Richard and Dolores (Schoon) where united in marriage at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Fort Dodge on November 15, 1953. Standing up for them were Janice (Schoon) Maag and Darvin Hacker. Conducting the marriage ceremony was Rev. Witzgall. They were very blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary among family and friends at the Zion Lutheran Church on November 15, 2003. Richard and Dolores would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this November and Dick would have celebrated his 84th birthday this August among family with a card shower.
The couple would make their home on a farm in the Ottosen and Bradgate areas. While on the farm, Richard was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Rutland where he served his Lord and church as Church President, Usher, and in many other capacities. He was also active in 4-H when his children Rick and Donella were in it. In the fall of 1969 the Hacker’s would find themselves moving to Humboldt where Dick took a job on the Humboldt Street Dept. He put in 21 years of faithful service, retiring in 1990 as Head Street Commissioner. To help him celebrate this occasion the City of Humboldt and Mayor presented to Richard a plaque… :In recognition of outstanding service rendered to the Street Department and to the Community of Humboldt.” Richard took great pride in keeping the streets neat and presentable. Which wasn’t always an easy job. Also in 1990 a Foster Parenting Award was presented to Richard and Dolores by the Iowa Dept. of Human Services. Together they raised 20+ foster children.
In retirement, Richard and Dolores would enjoy traveling to see friends, family and kids, and especially the grandchildren. He would remain active in the community and his church. They volunteered to deliver meals on wheels; he served his church as an usher and door greeter. He also helped Dolores with Zion’s tape ministry, where they made tapes of church services and funerals. They joyfully served in Zion’s tape ministry for 16 years. The Couple also enjoyed going on Lutheran L.C.M.S. Christian retreats at Camp Okoboji. In 1995, Richard and Dolores found it necessary to move to their apartment. Christ and family were his main priority in life and he took time to share his faith with others… especially his family. His faith was never more evident that the fact that he and Dolores brought first their children, and then their grandchildren to God’s house. He had the Lord’s interest at heart and the Lord’s Kingdom came first. He enjoyed and treasured the quality of time he spent with Dolores, his children and grandchildren. He was truly blessed with Dolores, caring for Dick this past year, and carrying her wedding vows further, than most would do today.
Richard was a member of the American Legion, the Zion Lutheran Church, and a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Rutland.
Richard is lovingly remembered by his wife Dolores of 55 years this November; children, Rick Hacker of Omaha, NE, Donella Hacker/Harris of Dakota City, Shari Sorenson of Iowa City, and Tim Hacker of Mesquite, NV; and their spouses; grandchildren, Christine and Colleen Hacker, Becky (Harris) Peterson, Darrick Harris, and Cindy Harris, Megan and Carrie Sorensen; and Blake and Kyle Hacker. One great-granddaughter, Heather Marie Peterson; sister, Helen Peebles of Crystal Lake, IA; and brothers, Donald Hacker of Hancock, MN, and Darvin Hacker of Decorah; Noi (Thanupakorn) Blakely and family; his foster children; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was blessed to be a blessing.
He joins in Heaven his parents; sister, Marion Iverson; brothers Fred and Virgil Hacker, Sr.; infant brother Eugene; and his in-laws, Bert and Jennie Schoon.