Harry Hackler

Harry Richard Hackler, age 85, died on October 19, 2021. He was born on December 23, 1935, at Madison General Hospital to Gladys and Harry Hackler. Harry attended Randall Elementary School and Central High School. Harry's father died when he was 6. After his father's death, he spent many happy times on his Aunt Alice and Uncle Arthur's Iowa farm with their boys and Jim and Tim Peterson. He liked to tell stories of their many adventures on the farm. When he was 15, his mother married Joe Stuekerjuergen, an Iowa mink rancher. Harry helped on the ranch. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, where he played football and participated in Golden Gloves boxing. (He forged his mother's name to the permission slip in order to be allowed to box).

In 1954, Harry, his mother, and stepfather moved to Madison. He then moved to Milwaukee to attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and subsequently became a Registered Professional Engineer.

At Christmastime of 1955, Harry met Carolyn Sternberger on a blind date. They were married on April 26, 1958 and had 63 years together. They were blessed with three children: Carolyn Ann, Harry Richard, Jr. (Rick), and Sue (husband Mark McKean). They also had three grandchildren: Rick's daughter Brooke, and Sue and Mark's sons, Casey and Braeden. Harry adored his family and was happiest when surrounded by them. He loved camping at Mirror Lake State Park when they were growing up, with close friends Barbara and Galen Ausloos, and with Rick in the Northwoods.

Harry was a life-long Episcopalian. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Madison, where he had served as an acolyte for Father Sabin. When Harry, Carolyn, and their family moved back to Madison in 1968, they joined Grace Episcopal Church. Harry served as an usher, on the Sunday School Committee, and on the Vestry.

He worked for the state of Wisconsin for 36 years, first for the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, then the Department of Facilities Development Bureau of Engineering, and finally, the Department of Administration.

Harry was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. This is borne out by the amazing care daughter Carolyn Ann and son Rick have given him for the last 16 months so he could remain at home. Sue could not share in caring for her dad because of her MS so her wonderful husband Mark took a turn three times a week sitting with Harry at dialysis.

The family wishes to thank Harry's kind professional caregivers Brenda, Lc, Phillip, and the women from Anna's Compassionate Care. We are so grateful for their help, as well as that of Agrace Hospice. We also want to thank his wonderful healthcare providers, Dr. William Kinsey and PA Breah Klemp.

In addition to his family, Harry is survived by brother-in-law Donald Ager and his wife Meg of Hillsboro, NH. He is further survived by special cousin Timothy Peterson of Traverse City, Mi, and numerous other cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, aunts, uncles, special cousin Jim Peterson, and sister-in-law Beverly Manderfield.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 116 W. Washington Avenue, on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

Remembrances can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

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