Donald James Hacker was born on December 5, 1930, to John and Nellie (Roeckers) Hacker in New Ulm, Minnesota. He attended country school and then St. Michael’s Catholic School in Morgan through the 8th grade. He then stayed home to work on the farm with his father.
On April 15, 1952, Donald married Mary Jo Mickelson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and they made their home on the farm by Sleepy Eye where they raised four children.
In addition to farming, he worked many years driving truck for road construction all across the Midwest. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, the Vikings, dancing, and playing cards with family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In later years, if you had time and wanted a cold beer with him, he would tell you his life story.
Don is survived by his son, Kevin (Julie) Hacker of Brainerd; four grandchildren, Lucas (Caitlyn) Hacker, Kendra (Tim) Paquin, Jeff Trebesch, and Whitney Trebesch; three great-grandchildren, Waylon, Weston, and Talon; special niece, Karen; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Mary; sons, Jeff and Dean; daughter, Lori; parents; sister, Florence Gewerth; and two brothers in infancy.