On February 21st, Mark Hackbarth, 60, rounded third base and headed for his heavenly home, no doubt getting ready to play centerfield for the Angels. He passed away peacefully at Hospice Alliance House, Pleasant Prairie, with his loving family by his side.

Born on October 30, 1958, in Waukegan, IL, Mark was the son of the late Kenneth and Violet (Campbell) Hackbarth. His incredible work ethic ensured that he never missed a day of school, graduating from Tremper High School in Kenosha, then attending college at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Mark was an outstanding softball player and was one of the first inductees into the Kenosha Rotary Hall of Fame.

On May 28, 1989 he married Nancy Nordell of Kenosha and during their 29 years of marriage, they experienced the pride and joy of parenting two lovely daughters and four incredible grandchildren making life time memories along the way.

Babies and the elderly were Mark’s specialty and during his many years at Metz Medical in Racine, his patients adored him for his contagious smile, his kindness and compassion, his ever-present individually-wrapped mint Lifesavers, not to mention his homemade French silk pie and chocolate chip cookies.

When not traveling and skiing with Nancy or golfing and fishing with the guys, Mark enjoyed grilling out and spending time with his extensive family and friends. His grandkids were his absolute joy because it gave him the perfect excuse to be a kid again, helping them learn to ride a bike or swim or play any of the myriad sports he excelled at.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, of Kenosha; two daughters, Dana (Bubba) Johnson of AZ and Amy (Brett) Loeffler of Kenosha; four grandchildren, Rylan, Colton, Cade and Teagan; two brothers, Dave (Paulette) Hackbarth and Brian (Elizabeth) Hackbarth; and one sister, Beth Ann (Dale) Jensen. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hospice Alliance for all their wonderful care and compassion and the Neuro-Oncology Unit at Froedtert and Froedtert South, Dr. Connelly, Dr. Knight and Dr. Khater. Mark donated his brain to the Medical College of Wisconsin Tumor Research Program.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at Journey Church, 10700 75th St. Kenosha at 12:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plan memorable experiences with your loved ones. Hold them tight and keep your smiles shining bright - like Mark’s.

Proko Funeral Home & Crematory

5111 60th St. 262 654 3533

Visit & Sign Mark’s Online Memorial Book At:

www.prokofuneralhome.com