Samuel J. Hacker Jr.

Samuel J. Hacker Jr. fell asleep in Jesus on August 16th, 2025 at 87 years and now is at rest from his earthly labor.

Sam was born on February 3, 1938 at the Francis Farm in Kawkawlin to Samuel and Lydia (Herbolsheimer-Fisher), the second of four children. He attended St. Bartholomew Lutheran School upon its opening, and was 1957 graduate of T.L. Handy High School. He served in the Michigan Army National Guard from 1960-1965. As a carpenter, Sam spent his entire career in general contracting, working for Engelhardt Construction, Consolidated Construction, and for over 30 years at Gregory Construction Company as a long-time superintendent of construction. Sam had immense pride in the many jobs and buildings spread throughout all of Mid-Michigan. After retirement, Sam spent countless hours in the garden, in the workshop, and going for rides with Chance.

Sam was a member of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church, Kawkawlin nearly his entire life. Over the years, he served the church in leadership roles and led building projects; notably the entrance addition, sanctuary renovation, and the “turning of the church” in 1978; and then as his final major project before his retirement, the addition of the preschool and office at St. Bartholomew School. One of his greatest desires was to see a gymnasium constructed at the school. Groundbreaking for the construction of the gymnasium happened last week.

Sam was married to Carol A. Marsh on September 2, 1967, and celebrated 51 years together before she preceded him in death in 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Karen Appold.

Sam is survived by his sons; Pastor Samuel Hacker III of Swartz Creek, Michigan, and Pastor Jason (Jennifer) Hacker of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was known as “Papa” to his four grandchildren: Malachi, Lydia, Magdalena, and Matthias Hacker of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Sam is further survived by his sister, Sandra (Charles) Behmlander, his brother, James (Geraldine) Hacker, his brother-in-law, Herbert Appold, his sister-in-law, Linda (Victor) Buzard, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and Sam’s eternal life for the comfort of his family and friends will take place Monday August, 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Ev. Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. Benjamin B. Wessel. Burial and Military Honors will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday graveside at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will be present at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Sunday 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. to receive family and friends. Sam will be taken to the church on Monday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider donations to Capital Campaign Fund.