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GEORGE HACKBARTH Obituary
George Emil Hackbarth, age 92, passed away surrounded by family at Presbyterian Homes Westminster Place, in Evanston, on May 11. He was a loyal husband and partner to wife Irene Louise, nee Sabo, for 64 years, who preceded him in death January 21, 2008; and loving father to Susan (Brian Austin), Diana (David Price), Claudia (David Nelson) and Irene (Steven Flebbe). George took great pride in grandchildren, Michael and Virginia (Rulli) Austin, Andrew and Adam Price, and Jorgen and Erik Nelson; and his nine nieces and nephews, with whom the family celebrated holidays and birthdays for many years. George was preceded in death by elder brothers, Sherman and William. A life-long Chicagoan, George started at Lakeview High School, then graduated from the new Lane Tech High School where he excelled in Machine Shop. In the early years of WW ll,he was employed at Central Scientific, where he mastered many specialized, high-precision tool making techniques. In 1943, as a newlywed, he was drafted and recruited to work at the Los Alamos Laboratory on the top secret Manhattan Project. There, George and colleague Rudy Vergoth from the University of Chicago machined all the uranium and plutonium components for the atomic weapons program that helped bring about the end of the war. Returning to Chicago, he was employed as a Tool and Die Maker at Victor Adding Machine (later Victor Comptometer) for many years. The family enjoyed weekends and summer vacations at their cottage in Pell Lake, WI, and visiting with Irene's family, who farmed near Lawrence, MI. Upon retirement in the mid-1980's, George and Irene traveled extensively to see the world. They also visited family in multiple states and enjoyed family reunions in Door County, WI. At home, George's favorite pastimes included crafting useful items in his basement workshop, fixing and remodeling the house, minding his financial portfolio, working as an Election Judge, riding his bike in River Park and exercising at the Galter Life Center, and eating the tasty meals cooked by Irene. He fondly remembered his earlier associations with the Neighborhood Boys Club and the Bell Park Serviceman's Club. George,Dad,Grandpa,Uncle George will be missed for his hard-working, organized, and practical approach towards living, and his upbeat and positive attitude towards life. He had a very good run. Interment is at Irving Park Cemetery , in a family ceremony, with a memorial service to follow in late summer. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE HACKBARTH
Sponsored by the loving family of George & Irene.
May 15, 2012
I spent most of my youth living with my grandparents in Chicago. While I lived their my grandparents including Grandpa took excellent care of me. I recall walking to the nearby park and eating tomato soup for lunch almost every day. I will miss them both dearly.
Virginia Rulli
May 13, 2012
Many special memories of Grandpa I hold dear. Most involve fixing, building, installing, or otherwise using his impressive craftsman talent to make his grandchildren's wishes come true. I'll never forget when Grandpa installed a cat door for my new kitten. Being a cat lover himself, he accepted the challenge! It seemed like magic, but now there was a little door on the outside of my house where she could come and go as she pleased.
Grandpa was always a happy spirit who loved to share stories when family came to visit. With his iconic white beard, he did resemble a tall St. Nicklaus. I am very proud of Grandpa's legacy, service, and being a good husband and father to my Mother and her three sisters.
I'm grateful to have had the chance to visit with him toward the end. A life well lived to which I try to model my own after.
Miss you Grandpa.
Erik Nelson
May 13, 2012
Every Easter grandpa George and granny Irene used to travel down to Houston in order to be with my family. Those were the best Easters of my life; in particular I fondly remember the way grandpa used to lick his plate mischievously when my mother wasn't looking, the boundless affection he would pour out onto our "kitty-cats," and his stories from the War that I and my friends would impatiently demand as soon as we could get out of school. More impressive than anything, though, was the Easter week that grandpa and I worked together to build a play-tower for our cats; I remember being so amazed at the way he turned scrapwood that we had purloined from various construction sites into a solid and handsome structure. He taught me various tricks that I still use today, such as putting soap on screws to help them drive more easily into the wood; this and techniques like it serve as a constant reminder of the patience and kindness with which grandpa shared his wisdom (not to mention his unparalleled skill with tools!). Later that week, when the young me insisted that we put ramps on the tower, which retrospectively should have been a prohibitively daunting task, I came home from school the next day to find that grandpa had bent sheets of metal into the obligate shape, bloodying his hands in the process - I still don't understand how he did it, but that he did is a testament to his big heart and excellent treatment of children. Anyway and in sum, grandpa was a hardworking, fair, loving and selfless person, and he surely watches us today with the same simple, affectionate forbearance that he blessed us with in his last life. We miss you, George.
George December 1995
David Nelson
May 10, 2012
It's been a year now George. We carry on, but we still miss you. While your last few years weren't easy, we all appreciated your cheerful spirit and your enduring gratitude for the time you had to spend with us. I am grateful to have known you and for your great influence on my family and me. Claudia, Jorgen and Erik shared my love and admiration for you, but obviously in more formative ways, since they benefitted from growing to adulthood with your guidance. I hope our sons will tell fond stories of your memory for many decades to come.
Andrew Price
May 10, 2012
I have come to realize how lucky I was to have had grandparents who saw my brother and I grow up. They were at my birthday parties, they were at my graduations, they watched me when I was a just a little kid, they took me to the park when it was nice out, and played games with me when it rained. Grandpa truly lived a long and productive life and he continues to provide for his family even in death. It's strange not seeing him sitting at the head of the table anymore, presiding over his family... I hope some day I am as good an example for my grand-kids as he was to me. He is missed.
Diana Hackbarth
May 10, 2012
Dad, it has been a year since your peaceful death surrounded by your four loving daughters and caring niece. I think about you almost everyday and grow to appreciate you more and more...You were always hardworking, honest and fair. Each of us girls knew we were equally valued. When we were little, you showed us how to fix things, played sports with us and did not always let us win, but did let us succeed when we played "sink the bismark" with you floating in an old tire inner tube in Pell Lake. When we grew older, you expected us to be independent, make good decisions, plan ahead and do well and were proud of our achievements. Even when some people asked you and Mom about what it was like to have 4 daughters, neither of you ever once said you would have wanted a son! In fact,when we were all adults and you and Mom were older and needed help, you always bragged about how lucky you were to have 4 smart capable daughters...what more could a man want?? In your old age you missed Mom and appreciated that your daughters still loved and cared for you as Mom did. I miss you both. You will live on in fond memories and the legacy you have left. With love from your second daughter Diana
May 10, 2012
Uncle George/Aunt Irene were always nice to me. As males, there was a different edge we brought to parties as children .
As we all grew older, they were always interested in how I was doing.
My favorite memory is a Christmas party we were at and they had a type of "sing Along".
Uncle George took the microphone, stood up and "serinaded" the crowd with a Christmas Melody!!!
Nick Sabo-Nephew
Michael Austin
May 9, 2012
Grandpa Hackbarth,
I remember fondly the many times we visited for Christmas. Especially when you played Santa with your white beard. I remember you also as an excellent craftsman, always fixing things around the house with skill and taking pride in your ability to "do it yourself". I am proud to call you my grandfather and you will always remain in my memory with love.
David Price
May 8, 2012
Dear George,
Thank you for all the fond memories you have left with me, not to mention a lovely wife. I am still in awe in what you have accomplished during your time with us. It is truly amazing and you did it with the upmost in charactor and fairness. As we approached the end, I remember Diana and I taking you and Irene to the Michigan Farm to say your last good-by and thank you at the Kaptain's grave-sites. Finally, I will always remember the last time we shook hands and said our good by just two days before your passing, with you saying thank you, always a thank you.
Susan Austin
July 28, 2011
Dear Dad,
You were a wonderful father to me, I always felt loved and appreciated. You modeled the virtues of hard work, organization, fairness in dealing with others and always aiming for the best you can be. You were a good provider for all of us...we always had what we needed but never wasteful.
I remember fondly our many family vacations packed into the stationwagon. So many good times for us kids at the Pell Lake cottage playing badmitton and soccer with you, swimming and family card games at night.
I was your special helper when you were fixing things around the house and needed an extra hand to lift or hold things. You taught me much...I feel more confident in tackling challenges, fixing things and handling tools because of you.
You led an honorable life with many personal achievements, always maintaining a positive outlook on life and its possibilities.
You leave your four daughters, grandchildren and our extended family mourning your passing. I love you.
Cliff Sabo
July 22, 2011
I had always enjoyed Uncle George's sense of humor and the great times we had at his cottage at Pell Lake. I look forward to seeing my extented family there in August and reminisce about the good old days. Rest in peace Uncle George.
Judy Freeman
July 5, 2011
All my love to my cousins and their families. I'm thankful for all the warm memories of my Uncle and Aunt.
Claudia Hackbarth
July 2, 2011
My father was an inspiration and role model to me in many ways. I admired and emulated him in his methodical approach to figuring out problems, his willingness to try to tackle and solve anything that came up, and even his habit to amass tools and materials to fix things and to keep them all organized on shelves and on pegboards for decades, in case he ever needed them again. But the thing I admired most about my dad was his positive and upbeat outlook. Despite losing his own father just before entering high school, and then his mother about a decade after that, despite growing up in the Great Depression and then losing so many boyhood pals during WWII, he nevertheless loved life. He came home happy from work each day and always believed that the future would be even better. In his last years, when many elderly people seem to be weighed down by their aches, disappointments, and knowledge of their imminent mortality, my dad seemed to become even more content. He remembered all his blessings and happy experiences even as the disappointments and irritations faded away. He was grateful for the acceptance he found with his wife's extended family, because he had few blood relations of his own. He was proud of his daughters and sons in law and never mentioned any regrets. I only hope I will someday emulate him in this.
Christopher Ross
May 22, 2011
My great uncle was Rudy Vergoth. Toward the end of his life we had many long phone conversations about his work in the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos fabricating the fissle material for the primordial nuclear arsenal with George.
Amazing men performing amazing work in a very unique period in history.
Paul Heyden
May 14, 2011
Dear Diana. I'm assuming this is your Father. I saw the obit by accident but wanted to offer you and your family my heartfelt sympathies. My, he was a facinating man. Brilliant and an American hero too. I will include him in my evening prayers. May God Bless him, you and your entire family. Paul Heyden.
Mary Rose Vergoth Sturtevant
May 14, 2011
My parents, Marge and Rudy Vergoth, had a special place in their hearts for both of your parents. Memories run deep. I, as a little girl remember the fun times at your cottage. I recall badminton, a large dog with beautiful eyes, genuine hospitality and of course the stories that never stopped. My condolences to all of you. Hoping you can find peace in your memories.
May 13, 2011
Extending our condolences to the family. May the words found at Psalms 90:10 give you as much comfort as it does to us knowing that George lived a life well lived. May our hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived.
Irene (Reenie) Flebbe
May 13, 2011
Where to begin with my memories of Dad?
Weekends away to Wisconsin to our cottage, where we would swim in the lake. My Dad would always be the one out in the water with his daughters, sometimes tooling around in a big rubber inner-tube, hat and sunglasses on. The fun was trying to capsize him - he was nearly unsinkable!
I remember him teaching me to shoot an air-rifle out in Michigan, and being very fair about us both taking equal turns to use the rifle and setting up the tin-can targets.
I remember all the household projects he was justly proud of completeing - everything done well and beautifully, then the work space cleaned and tools put away in their proper places.
These last few years, after Mom died, I spent more time talking with him as an adult, than I ever had before. He was a good man, a fair man, who had done and seen many interesting things. I loved him.
Carol Vergoth Coleman
May 13, 2011
My Dad - Rudy Vergoth - always spoke fondly of George and their time together at Los Alamos. I can picture them in Heaven, sharing their memories again.
Kavork Hagopian
May 13, 2011
May God bless the memory of George as he enters Eternal Glory with his wife and grant all of you comfort and understanding. You are in thoughts. Kavork Hagopian (Evanston, Illinois)
Steve Flebbe
May 13, 2011
I will keep many memories of George...helping him with projects at his Chicago home, and with the annual opening and closing of the cottage in Pell Lake, particularly working on the well there as his hands in the vault when it became more difficult for him to get in there. I think my fondest memory will be the Veterans Day concert one year at Welles Park with Irene and Reenie. At one point in the program they asked the veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized by their branch of service. When the Army was called George and I stood together and we shook hands. George was justly proud of his military service and I was proud to share that moment with him.
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