Gilbert Duane Hacker

Gilbert Duane Hacker, (September 21, 1948 – March 31, 2016) To view the graveside service for Gilbert, please click the link below. http://portal.midweststreams.com/services/displayvideo/3208 Gilbert Duane Hacker, 67, died Thursday, March 31, 2016, from complications after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born September 21, 1948, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Gertrude (Hacker) Sheridan and Ervin Hacker. A gentle man, he was known lovingly as Gib to those he held close and as Gil to his cherished friends. Gilbert is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star. After 27 years in the Air Force, he retired as Command Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. Gilbert served his country far and wide, from North Dakota to Thailand and England to New York, before settling in Alexandria after retirement. The quieter lifestyle suited this endearing man. Filled with family and friends, it’s where he purchased his dream home on Lobster Lake, caught his first of many walleye and worked as a custodian in School District 206. He pursued this second career still climbing the ranks and left as head custodian at Alexandria Area High School. Gilbert grew up in Murdock, Minnesota, playing football and working at the town’s grain elevator where he forged his hard-at-work attitude. Gilbert is fondly remembered for his strong leadership and ease with which he mentored his staff, starting by working alongside them and continuing with endless patience. He took great pride in his work, proclaimed his greatest accomplishments were his family and two children, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and playing cards. Gilbert — husband, father, friend and “bro” — now strolls through heaven, still providing and caring for those around him. As we wait to join him, we take comfort in seeing him in the sunset reflecting off the lake, in kind acts from others and in that first morning coffee he loved so much. Gilbert is survived by Marie, his high school sweetheart, travel partner and loving wife of 47 years; daughter, Crystal; son, Jeremy (Elizabeth); granddaughters, Jillian and Jessica; brothers, Richard (Dee), Ronald (Donna) and Russell (Mary); sister, Bonnie French (the late Kenneth); brother-in-law, Jim Baird; honorary grandchildren, Abby, Kali, Robb and Carter; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marlene Baird. Gilbert’s visitation is 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 8 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will continue at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria on Saturday, April 9 from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 9:30 a.m. His burial will be in Kinkead Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Leukemia & Lymphoma LLS

Gilbert Duane Hacker

September 21, 1948 - March 31, 2016