George Hackler's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - George Hackler, age 85 of Charleston, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 4, 2014 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, August 7, 2014 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2014 with Reverend Dr. Bob Swickard officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow at Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Coalition for People in Need or to the Charleston Food Pantry. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. On November 24, 1928 in Merom, Indiana, George was born the son of George W. and Myrtle (Johnson) Hackler. He spent his childhood in West York, Illinois, where his family taught him the importance of working hard and integrating faith into all his endeavors: two concepts he carried with him throughout his life. He joined the Wesley United Methodist Church of Charleston in 1967 and served on the board of trustees, taught Sunday School and was one of the founders of the Coalition for People in Need. He was an avid community volunteer. As a teenager, his appreciation for education grew as he worked to put himself through high school. He fostered his love of learning and education throughout his life, which brought him to become a well-respected academic and scholar. George received his Master of Science Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1960, and later accepted the position as EIU's Director of Continuing Education. His passion for education eventually led him to pursue a nursing degree, successfully becoming a registered professional nurse. He not only practiced nursing at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, but also taught courses at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. George instilled a sense of possibility in his students and colleagues; his leadership and mentorship extended well beyond the classroom. He challenged people to make decisions that would ultimately become stories of greatness. In 1947, George met the love of his life, Dorma Lee Thompson, at a movie theater in West Union, Illinois. George and Dorma were married two years later on September 11, 1949. Soon they found themselves with a houseful of children; in the evenings, he would play the organ while she played the piano, and together their melody made sense. The two would be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary in September. George was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. His family was a centerpiece in his life. He often took his children and grandchildren fishing and sledding, and most importantly, taught them about being thankful. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorma; his son, Tim Hackler and his wife Karla; his son, Mark Hackler and his wife Tawnya; his daughter Karla (Hackler) Hamilton and her husband Barry; his brother, Robert Hackler and his wife Pauline; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Danielle (Hackler) Rotaru and husband Mihai, along with their children, Michael, and Robert and his wife Jamie and great-great-grandson, Lucas; Isaac Hackler and wife Julie, along with their children Jacob and Ianna; Micah Hackler, along with her children Samuel and Robbie; Jon Hackler and wife Stacie, along with their son Noah; Whitney Hackler; and Amanda (Collins) Logsdon, along with her children Brynn Leigh and Cayson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Johnston Theryl Hackler; a sister, Dona (Hackler) Richards; a son, Kenneth Hackler; and a granddaughter, Kalen (Hackler) Salinas. George was a veteran and served honorably in the United States Army. He leaves a legacy of love, honesty and compassion, and he shared these virtues with everyone in his life.
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