Gene Hacker

Gene Hacker, 91, of Washington, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born on July 21, 1934 in a house full of his relatives to be, at 107 Lakeview Ave. in Peoria, IL. Genes' mother was Bessie Elizabeth Rotholtz-Hacker who was born in Peoria in 1903. Genes' father was McKinley Hacker who was born in Hazel Patch, Kentucky in 1898.

Gene was the third born of four brothers. Albert McKinley was born in Peoria on Van Buren St. in May of 1920, he died in January of 2015, Edward Author was born in Peoria on Oak View Ave. in September of 1927, and died in September of 2014, Lester Robert was born on NE Perry in April of 1937, and he died in January of 2015.

Gene started going to Kingman Grade School in 1939 in Miss Stabler's kindergarten class, and after nine wonderful years moved on to further his education at E N Woodruff High School. After four great years he was forced to move on to bigger things.

Gene had worked at various jobs since he was in seventh grade, from a flower shop, a paper carrier, a gas station attendant, showing movies in the summer (no television in those days), home construction among others, and finally started to work at Caterpillar, sweeping the floors on 3rd shift. After a few years at various jobs in the factory he went into the Caterpillar Engineering Draftsman class. He then served a couple of years in the Army as an Atomic Warhead Specialist. Following his time in the military he worked for several years in the Engineering Department at Caterpillar, later moving on to work in the Service Department from which he retired in 1996 after 44 years of service.

Gene met his wife to be while she was a senior at E N Woodruff High School and after her graduation was married to his wonderful wife and life's companion Joyce Marlene Watson for over 69 years, from February 25, 1956 until September 21, 2025.

To his family were added three beautiful babies, Jeffrey Lynn in January of 1961. He married Angela Louise Medina and they had three wonderful daughters, Jessica, Jennifer, and Erin. Deanna Carol in June of 1963. She married Anthony Natera in 1999, and she had two wonderful children, Danielle and Luke. Daniel Gene was born in April of 1970. One great-granddaughter, Charlotte also survives.

God has been very good to Gene and he had a very full life with little or no regrets.

Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded. There will be no services. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.