Russell A. “Russ” Hackbarth, 62, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Russ was born on August 17, 1952, in Cudahy, WI, to Arthur and Margaret Hackbarth. He resided in South Milwaukee until the age of 3. Then lived in Cudahy, WI, until 1968 when he moved to Kenosha. He attended and then graduated from Tremper High School in 1970. In 1974 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. On January 4, 1975, he married Laurie Andersen. Russ worked various jobs as a teenager including a large paper route, at the Cudahy Gun Club and at Kohl’s Grocery Store. He went to work at A&B Pro Hardware & Lockshop in 1971 and became partners with his father-in-law in 1975. Russ and his wife Laurie took over ownership in 1983. In 1984 they were selected as the Pro hardware dealer of the year for their distributer. He was active in the locksmith industry, which included membership in many locksmith organizations including the serving as President of Wisconsin Locksmith Association and as a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America and Safe & Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA). Russ was also a member of the Uptown Business Men’s Association, the Pro Hardware Advisory Board and Kenosha Pops Concert Band Board. Among his many hobbies was riding his Harley and he was a lifetime member of HOG. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Ellie, whom he decided was “the cutest baby ever.” He was also a classical music fan and enjoyed going to the symphony. Surviving Russ are his wife of 39 years, Laurie Hackbarth; his two daughters, Heather (Christopher) Marron and Heidi (Joshua) Lawell; and his granddaughter, Eleanor Marron. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Margaret, and two sisters who passed away during infancy. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Malik Bandealy, Michelle Huven and the entire staff of the Aurora Cancer Center. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1st, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, at Proko Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Kenosha Pops Concert Band or Hospice Alliance.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Russell’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com