Obituaries
Carl Ray Hacker
May 6, 1939 - September 16, 2020
-
VISITATION
October 5, 2020 | 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 - Funeral
- October 5, 2020 | 11:00 A.M.
-
Yurs Funeral Home
405 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 -
Burial Location
Union Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois
Carl Ray Hacker, 81 years old, of Vicenza, Italy, died unexpectedly on September 16, 2020 following an accident at home.
Carl was born in Covington, Kentucky on May 6, 1939. He grew up in Covington and attended Holmes High School, graduating in 1958. He then attended college and graduated in 1963 from Eastern Kentucky State College with a bachelors’ degree.
Carl began his teaching career at Holmes High School, and taught various levels and subjects throughout his career. He completed his Masters’ of Education degree at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and went on to become an Assistant Principal and Principal at various schools in the Department of Defense Dependent School system. (DoDDS). His teaching experiences took him overseas starting in 1963, and he lived in Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Spain, Bahrain, and Italy.
He is survived by his wife Nancy (nee Law) in Vicenza, Italy, by his daughter Bethany who lives in London, and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents—Naomi Gouge (Carl Gouge) and Leonard Hacker, by his sisters Rita Eades and Wanda Botkin, and by his brother Larry Hacker.
Carl met his future wife, Nancy while teaching in Italy. They married in Gibraltar and moved to a school in Spain. Eventually, in 1983, they moved to Vicenza, Italy to teach at the Vicenza Elementary School.
Carl and Nancy welcomed a daughter, Bethany, in 1986, and decided to stay in Vicenza and make it their home in order to provide a more stable family life. Carl was a dedicated teacher and a loving father. Many of his former students have commented on his exceptional ability to enable them to increase their love of learning and was a role model to many. Carl retired from teaching in 1998, and enjoyed many activities such as hiking and climbing the local Dolomite mountains with friends. He was also an avid runner and still walked three miles each day. He took a great interest in photography and travel, which resulted in many beautiful photos. Carl was a gardener and took pride in his extensive flower garden. Many commented on his dedication to creating an attractive home environment. Carl had many accomplishments; he was most proud of the book that he was writing about his life which also included his commentary on what was happening in the world during the time in which he grew up. Sadly, he wasn’t able to finish it.
Visitation will be 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 5, 2020, at Yurs Funeral Home 405 E. Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174. A Funeral Service will follow the visitation at 11:00 A.M. at Yurs Funeral Home. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois.
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Condolences
Linda Husted Talley from Manassas Park, VA
"Dearest Hacker family, we offer you our deepest condolences. Carl leaves a legacy of being a kind and gentle man, and a gentlemen. His lifelong love of education will resonate with his former students all their lives. We learned so much from his wisdom and grace. Not to mention his skills in the kitchen and the garden! He is fondly remembered and lives on in our hearts and minds. RIP Carl. You have certainly earned your heavenly home. You are greatly missed."
Terry L Smith from springville, UT
"I'm thinking of the many wonderful conversations as we shared meals, theater productions and adventures. Carl was a giant and left an imprint with all those within his touch."
James C. Jenkins from Park Hills, KY
"Carl ( Hatchet ) will always be fondly remembered by all of the Class of 58' and all the "guys" from Holmes High School.Especially the good times at High's Sandwich Shop.His family is in our prayers.Jim ( Jenks ) & Judy Jenkins"
Jane Howell from Lexington, KY
"So sad we have lost a fellow classmate from Holmes High. He was a wonderful example of how we were all prepared for our giving to the world. Rest dear classmate, you have earned it."
Norman D. Chula from Fort Myers, FL
"A wonderful man and family. My wife and I enjoyed the social occasions and friendship we had Carl and family while teaching in Vicenza, Italy."
Janet Law Johnson from Lisle, IL
"As Nancy's sister, I had the privilege of knowing Carl for over 41 years. His sudden absence makes the earth seem a lesser place right now. Simply put, Carl was a multifaceted individual! To hear him tell of his travels was always fascinating, and I longed to go to the places he described so eloquently. Yes, Carl was a splendid photographer, an adventurous mountain climber/hiker, a devoted gardener whose roses were spectacular, and a dedicated educator for many years . . . but my best memories are of Carl as a loving husband to Nancy and a doting father - Beth was indeed the apple of his eye! Carl is gone much too soon, but I am grateful that I had the privilege of knowing him. I believe that he is now in the loving arms of God and his beloved family members who have gone before him. Carl, I will miss you."
Charlene Sprague from Carson City, NV
"Carl was a caring and wonderful person. He will be missed!"
Maria Rita Baron from North Aurora, IL
"Carl Hacker, I will sorely miss you and the yearly visits, edifying conversations, cookouts, dinners and your company with the family. Our summer cookouts will never be the same. It has been a wonderful honor knowing you and will treasure our family time together. May God bless you and keep you."
Jean S. Brann from Union, KY
"My deepest sympathy to Carl's cherished ones. I'm sure my fellow Holmes '58 classmates are as shocked and s addened as I in learning of Carl's passing."
Terri Granger from Camp Lejeune, NC
"I have so many memories of my conversations with Carl during my years in Vicenza. I remember the last conversation before I left Italy. He told me to never be afraid of change...life is about change. I miss you dearly Carl and I send my love to Nancy and Beth."
Jim Logsdon from Union, KY
"Very sorry to hear of Carl's passing. We had recently made new contact through emails. From one Covington Holmes High School classmate to another-GOD SPEED!!!! Deepest condolences to the Hacker family."
Roger and Evelyn Coleman from Villa Hills, KY
"My husband and I have fond memories of Carl and our class of ‘58. We are so sorry for his passing. Condolences to his family at this difficult time"
James E Blaharski from Canton, MI
"Recently my husband and I were talking about our teaching days at Clark AFB, the Philippines 69-72. We laughed as we remembered how Carl and another teacher came to our house once a week for dinne. He always kidded our housegirl about coming to work for him. After dinner Jim, Carl, and Hugh would put on the record from Paint Your Wagon and sing along with Lee Marvin. Once a week dinner and sing-a-long to Paint your Wagon. We all transferred back to Germany and only saw Carl a few times. We ended our night of PI memories wondering ahout Carl. Imagine my suprise to read about Carl,his family, and what he had been doing since we had last seen him. We will remember him with fond memories of our times together. Judy Blaharski"
Nikki Hacker youCulbertson from Union , KY
"You will be missed!"
Buddy Leavitt from Burnsville, NC
"Dear Nancy and Beth, Thinking of your during this time. Know my heart and thoughts are there with you. I am so many fond memories of your husband/dad. I loved our chats and our dinners out. Take time for you and cherish this time with your family and friends. Holdfast to those wonderful memories, because this is what will get you through the next few months. Buddy"
Sita Scheppele from Bonita Springs, FL
"Nancy and Beth,Thinking of you as you mourn the loss of Carl. Your loving memories will be a treasure for years to come. I will hold you in my heart in the days ahead."
Cheryl Hussey from Crestview Hills, KY
"My love and prayers to Aunt Nancy and Cousin Beth. I’ll miss Uncle Carl so much. He was such a very special person who made me grow. He would come home in the summers to Grandma and Grandpa’s house with his photos of all the places he’d visited and would tell me, I too can do it. It took a few years but after a couple visits to Vicenza to see Carl and Nancy, I found the love of traveling to other countries. I thought I would have more time for visits, but just my memories now. I wish you, Nancy and Beth, the love and strength to move forward, Carl loved you both dearly. Carl, RIP, I know you are with the family."
Sarah Frampton DiPaola from Spring Branch , TX
"Mr Hacker was a favorite teacher of mine. I was in his combination 7th & 8th class in Kassel Germany. What a wonderful person he was. He touched so many lives!"
Greg Tomlin from Carrollton, GA
"I had Carl for 7th & 8th grade in the tiny little school in Kassel Germany. Carl was an awesome teacher, had an impact on every child he taught. Several classmates and I have a Facebook page called “Kassel Brats”. I let everyone know tonight that our favorite teacher has gone on to his reward. We all enjoyed learning from Mr Hacker, he made it interesting. He will be missed by all who knew him! RIP Mr Hacker..."
Patricia Gilbert Doty from Belton, TX
"My favorite teacher from seventh grade in Kassel, Germany Prayers for his family"
Sonja Blomquist from San Francisco, CA
"So Sad. Nancy, I hope you are able to share the chapters of his book and some favorite photos. So sad that his book, his travel, his garden, his remarkable life remain unfinished. The love remains."