David Eugene Hacker, 51, of Pleasant Prairie, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. Born in Buffalo, NY on January 25, 1969, he was the son of Kathleen (Farchmin) and the late Lawrence Hacker. On May 28, 1988, he married Jennifer Kessler. They moved from Buffalo, NY to Virginia where they lived for 17 years, then to Texas for a year, moving to Pleasant Prairie in August of 2018. In December 2016, David earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He was employed by Abbott Labs as a Senior Scientist. In his time employed at Abbott, he made major contributions in pharmaceutical development. He was a sports enthusiast and loved being active, playing golf, basketball, and many other sports. He enjoyed watching sports as well and was an avid Yankees fan. As his kids were growing up, he developed a passion for coaching baseball. In his 22 years as a coach and mentor, he made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of kids. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, most notably their trip to Europe last year. David’s favorite thing to do was spending time with his family, especially his boys and beloved pups. David is survived by his wife, Jennifer Hacker of Pleasant Prairie; two sons, Douglas (Elsie) Hacker of Richmond, Virginia and Andrew Hacker of Pleasant Prairie; his mother, Kathleen Hacker of Brooksville, Florida; brother, Larry (Christine) Hacker of Brooksville, Florida; sister, Mary Kay Hacker of Ashland, Virginia; and cherished nieces and nephews Fawn, Wil, Maya, Greyson, Nick, Max, Delaney and Katie; Parents-in-law Dennis and Christine Kessler; sister-in-law Angela (Steve) Dungar; brother-in-law Tom (Michelle) Kessler; brother-in-law John (Joyce) Kessler; brother-in-law Joseph (Lisa) Kessler; brother-in-law Matthew (Marie) Kessler; sister-in-law Danielle (John) Miller; along with many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A memorial picnic and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m at the Hanover Arts and Actives Center, 500 S Center Street, Ashland, VA, 23005.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit David’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Rosie Small
April 7, 2020
To the family, friends and work colleagues of David our sincere condolences to you all. We met David briefly last summer when we traveled from Ireland to Chicago on a work trip. David was generous with his time, his intelligence and shared his home with us. We are grateful to have met David and thank him for that short time we had with him. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.Love from Ireland, Rosie, Frank, Barry and Neil.
Luis
March 15, 2020
David was a truly extraordinary individual. I had the pleasure of having him as a TA in college and later as a mentor in the Hartman group where he earned his Ph.D. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. His lessons extended beyond the lab and have helped me in many facets of my life, both professionally and personally. My deepest condolences go out to Jennifer and the family. I did not have the pleasure in meeting them, yet I know they were the foundation to his exceptional character. It was an honor having David as a teacher, a mentor, and as a friend.
Jack Masloff
March 13, 2020
Dave Hacker was a fantastic Coach and leader for countless young men! His work ethic as a Coach was contagious to all under his tutelage. Never have I seen a guy that wanted to make his team better on each play and situation. Constantly communicating with his players teaching the game and encouraging them concurrently. His behavior as a Coach was always exemplary and this benefited each kid that had the opportunity to play for him. All good results he gave to his players and any loss he took on himself with serious thought and reflection. Also a scholar and student and his players knew this about Dave. Though he and his Bride moved away to TX and beyond, I kept in some touch with him and was always flattered when i got a response from Dave. Dave truly cared and Dave worked hard in all that he did. Blessed to know Him. The world will miss him. Peace and Prayers for all of his Family and Friends
Dennis Blachowicz
March 12, 2020
Never forget our great golf matches, we had the best of times. Dennis Blachowicz