Gretchen L. Hackbarth

RACINE - Surrounded by her loving family, Gretchen L. (nee: Haigh) Hackbarth, age 63, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2010 at her residence. Gretchen was born in Racine, June 23, 1947, daughter of Burton J. and Jeanette (nee: Rasmussen) Haigh. Gretchen was a graduate of William Horlick High School 'Class of 1964'. On April 16, 1966 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church she was united in marriage to Fred A. Hackbarth. She was employed for many years by Chartwell Company last working at J.I. Case High School. Gretchen enjoyed various arts including: sewing, quilting, weaving, painting and was a member of the 'Stitch and Bitch Club'. She had a great love for traveling and was very fortunate and able to explore the world. Above all she was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed. Survivors include her loving husband of forty-four years, Fred; twin daughters, Leann Chao, Heather (Daniel) Fleming, all of Racine; her five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Alyssa, and Madyson Chao (and their father Mark Chao), Jacob and Emma Fleming; her mother, Jeanette Haigh of Sarasota, Fla.; brother, Burton (Maryann) Haigh of Minn.; sisters, Penelope Lau of Racine, Renae (Jeff) Herre of Minn.; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, James (Susan) Hackbarth of West Bend, Bonnie Hackbarth of Shawano; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Burton Haigh; and a brother-in-law, Roger Hackbarth. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 18, 2010, 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Dave Echelbarger officiating. Interment will be held Tuesday, 12 p.m. at West Lawn Memorial Park. Please meet at the front gate. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. McGartland and nurse Judy from Oncology Alliance St. Luke's in Milwaukee for their loving and compassionate care. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street 634-7888 Please send condolences to: www.meredithfuneralhome.com