Margaret (Peg) Hackbarth, formerly of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and more recently of Waupaca, Wisconsin, died at Bethany Home in Waupaca at the age of 102.
Peg was born on January 4, 1924, in Wausau, WI. The daughter of Daniel and Leonore (Flatter) Davies, she was raised in Wausau and graduated from Wausau High School in 1942. Peg had three siblings, all of whom have preceded her in death.
Peg married William (Bill) Hackbarth on February 26, 1944, in Wausau, and the two of them moved to Kenosha, WI, so that Bill could begin work as a draftsman at Nash Motors (later American Motors). The young couple happily raised their family in Kenosha until Bill retired as Quality Control Manager in 1981.
Bill preceded Peg in death in 2014, after 70 years of marriage. Peg is survived by their four children: Tom (Susan Griffiths) of Waupaca, WI; Ann (Dean) Drenk of Bozeman, MT; John (Judy Estill) of Hudson, WI; and Jane (Jim) Kreuser of Kenosha, WI. She is further survived by six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Peg was a classic 1950’s stay-at-home mother and wife. She lovingly supported her children’s many activities, from serving as President of the Parent-Teacher-Association to Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. She was always a good sport in participating in her family’s passion for water and snow skiing, and she volunteered for everything!
When only one child remained at home, Peg realized her long-held dream of returning to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Upon graduation, she was hired by the Emergency Department at Kenosha Memorial Hospital, where she served with dedication and enthusiasm
until her retirement.
Peg and Bill’s retirement years found them traveling seasonally between a retirement community in Leesburg, FL, where they established many wonderful friendships, to summer activities at their cottage at Camp Cleghorn near Waupaca. As usual, they immersed themselves in volunteer
projects, with Peg becoming co-chair of the Camp Cleghorn Chapel Committee.
Peg’s life is documented in her personal diaries as she recorded daily events that were important to her, beginning at age 14. Her family is both proud and grateful that she was able to continue this priceless resource, uninterrupted, for almost 82 years. Peg also devotedly wrote each family member a personal poem on the occasion of every birthday and anniversary, which became a much-anticipated tradition for all.
A private family service will be held. Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, WI.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Bethany Home for their skilled and exceptionally compassionate care of Peg during her final years.
Memorial donations may be made to: Bethany Home, 1226 Berlin Street, Waupaca, WI, 54981.
Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
