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Dorothy D. Hacker

Dorothy D. Hacker

Dorothy D. Hacker, nee Ablett, 94, of New Athens, IL, born February 2, 1927 in West Frankfort, IL, passed away Monday April 26, 2021 at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens. Mrs. Hacker was very active in the community. She was a member of United Methodist Church in New Athens, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Belleville, IL, former member of the CESNA Board, Church Board, United Methodist Women Treasurer, choir member and soloist, New Athens Senior Center, RSVP Choir, VFW Ladies Aux. 7710 in New Athens, Charter member of the New Athens Historical Society and a member of N.A.C.H.S. Class of 1942.  She was a bank teller for 26 years at New Athens State Bank and United Illinois Bank and a store manager at the New Athens Senior Center thrift store.

She was preceded in death by her parents; R. Clarence and Anna Rhea (Hargrave) Ablett, her husband; Paul G. Hacker, whom she married on August 31, 1946 in Belleville, IL, and who passed away on November 22, 1986, her son; Richard Hacker who passed away on April 22, 2020, son-in-law; Donald Jansen, and her beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Warren and Olinda Hacker.

Dorothy is survived by 2 daughters; Ruth Ann (Jon) Hanft of New Athens and Jeanne Jansen of Fairview Heights, IL, daughter-in-law; Kathryn Hacker of Fairview Heights, IL, grandchildren; Laurie (Chad) Gray, Roger (Marisa Giller) Hacker, Scott (Jennifer Zeigler) Hacker and Katy Hacker, great grandchildren; Evan, Drew, Reece and Connor Gray and Ronan Hacker. Also surviving is her special niece; Pam (Dave) Sutton of Lenzburg, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Athens Home for the Aged or to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

No public visitation times are being scheduled.

Private services will be held.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

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  1. Jeanne & Ruth Ann, sorry to hear about your mother. She was such a great friend to my mom for years.

  2. Debbie Royer says:

    So sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a great help to me when she was a tenant of mine on S. Clinton. I know she will be missed by all that knew her.

  3. Beth mohr Voelkel says:

    I’m sure my mom ( barb mohr Haefner was getting impatient waiting for her best friend. Reunited once again. So many wonderful memories of Dorothy at sunday dinners, birthdays etc. Rest in peace sweet lady.

  4. Carla Recker Wirth says:

    Ruth Ann and Jeanne,

    Please accept my condolences and sympathies on the loss of your mom. She was such a sweet lady. I remember when your mom and Richard and you girls would get together with my uncle Larry Loesche. I can still hear all the laughter. We will all hold on to the memories. I will say many prayers for her.

  5. Judith &Orville kempf says:

    Ruth Ann, Jeanie & Pam, I am so sad to read this, I so enjoyed Dorothy, Love, and Prayers to all of you.

  6. Tess Schlesinger says:

    Jeannie, Ruth Ann, and family,

    My deepest sympathy to you all. You have many wonderful memories of your mom that you will cherish forever.

  7. Barry & Dixie Mehner says:

    Remembering Dorothy from our days at the Methodist Church. She was always such a sweet lady and so much fun. She will be missed. You have our Deepest Sympathy

  8. Gary and Jean Beggs says:

    Dorothy was a wonderful person, she always received us with a warm welcome. If we didn’t see her first, she would make sure to come to us with a sweet smile and hug. My whole life, of all those from home, Dorothy was one of my very favorites. She will forever be in my prayers. I’m very sad to see her gone. I know her family and friends will miss her.
    Jean

  9. Jocelyn Stark says:

    Ruth Ann and Jeanie- I am so sorry for your loss. The last few years of taking care of her was a joy. She was always happy to see me and I was always happy to see her. My prayers are with you guys.

  10. Geri Reuss says:

    Sorry to hear the passing of Dorothy, I enjoyed talking to your mom when I was visiting. My prayers are with the family

  11. Thomas Germann says:

    Please accept my deepest sympathy for you loss. May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time.

  12. Our sympathy to all the family of Mrs. Hacker. We did not know her but I knew Rich well. Blessings.

  13. Mark Stehl says:

    So sorry for your loss. Dorothy helped me open my first ever bank account at the old State Bank of New Athens. She was very well liked around town. She will be sorely missed by many. May she R.I.P.

  14. Lisa Phelps says:

    Dorothy was a terrific neighbor. Although she hadn’t lived in her home on N Clinton, for quite sometimes, she always said, “ hey neighbor. “ when I would see her. I’m sure she’s singing in Heaven’s great choir! R.I.P my dear neighbor and friend. My deepest sympathy to you, Jeannie and Ruth Ann.

  15. Phyllis Gale ( P. J. ) says:

    Ruth Ann and Jeanne – so very sorry for your loss. You both know she is in a much better place and free of all illness. No matter how ready you think you are for something like this – you are still never ready and there are never any words to take the pain away. My thoughts and prayers are with you. –

  16. Diana Reuss says:

    Jeanne and Ruth Ann my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. Your mom was a very special lady. I worked with her at the bank and enjoyed talking with her at the nursing home.

  17. Elaine and Jim Rader says:

    Our deepest sympathy to Dorothy’s family. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  18. Judy Berowski says:

    Dorothy was such a sweet lady. Her kindness certainly made her one of a kind. She will be missed.

  19. My heartfelt sympathy to Jeannie, Ruth Ann and Rich’s families. Your mom was a very special lady and truly loved by all who knew her. She is part of my fond memories of New Athens and I can still hear her singing “How Great Thou Art”.

  20. Karen Laflen says:

    I am so sorry for you loss. Dorothy was a sweet lady. I will always remember the kindness she showed me when I was hanging out at her house.

  21. Diane Weilmuenster says:

    Dorothy was a very sweet lady, and cared so much about others. Remembering the good times we had in the beauty shop on Thursdays there were always a lot of laughs. Deepest Sympathy to the family

  22. Don and Yvette Hanft says:

    Ruth Ann- We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We just want to let you know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

  23. Tonia (Trotter) Wolff says:

    Jeanne 2, Ruth Ann & Families –

    I loved your sweet Mom so much. Sending lots of hugs & love.

    Tonia

  24. Chiyoko Louise Miller Gussin says:

    Such a nice lady. Heaven has received a true Angel. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the family. 💕

  25. Lee Ann Fricke says:

    My deepest sympathies to the entire family! Dorothy was my last therapy patient when I left 3 years ago. I am so glad I came to visit her every few weeks before the pandemic and after the home allowed visitors again. I always did and still do consider her the nicest person on earth. She was a true sweetheart!

  26. Laura Lhote says:

    I am so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Hacker was always a sweet lady. Love and prayers to the family.

  27. Susan Schulz says:

    My sympathy to Ruth Ann, Jeanne, and the family. Your mom was such a sweet lady and always talked to Al and I when we visited New Athens. Cherish all those memories.

  28. Lana Johnson says:

    Jeanne and RuthAnn
    So very sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. What a wonderful mom you had. She was such a sweet woman. She will be missed my many. My deepest sympathy.

  29. Annette Haubrich Schreder says:

    My sympathies to the family. I worked with Dorothy for several years at the State Bank of New Athens. Always helpful and friendly.

  30. Bob & Sarah Kehrer says:

    We extend our sympathy to all of Dorothy’s family. We got to know her at the State Bank in the early 70’s when we moved in the area. What a lovely, precious lady and a great friend. She had a special place in our hearts. May all your beautiful memories bring you comfort.

  31. Misty Volner says:

    I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I loved your mother and it was truly a privilege to be able to take care of her for the time that I did. Anytime I talked with her she always had a story about my family that I never knew about. Prayers to you and your family during this time

  32. Pete & Linda Davidson says:

    Your Mom was always so thoughtful even when at the Home she continued to send cards on special occasions. She will b missed by many. Hugs to the family.

  33. Don & Sharen Rickert says:

    Dorothy and my Mom (Fay) were great friends, going to many Cardinal games together. Sincere condolences to your family.

    • Rita Lawless says:

      Dorothy was such a sweet lady. Worked with her at the bank and visited with her at the home when my mom was there. Her mind was still sharp and she could tell some stories. RIP Dorothy. Sympathies to Ruth Ann, Jeanne and families.

  34. Angie Idecker Hewitt says:

    Jeanne & Ruth Ann – I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. Dorothy was the most wonderful, caring, sweetest woman I have ever known. I am so glad to have grown up knowing her and spending time with her in church as well as through Grandma. She always held a special place in my heart. She will be dearly missed.

  35. Ashley Idecker Herbig says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was an amazing lady and I was so fond of her. I grew up with Dorothy in the church and she was best friends with my grandma. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I know it was quite the reunion up in heaven for many people. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  36. Mary Kelcher says:

    Never a better neighbor. Loved growing up with the family. Sweet memories of a special lady.

    • Sue Parker says:

      Ruth Ann, Jeanne and family. So sorry for the loss of your mom. She was always kind and sweet to me. I don’t know who we are going to check New Athens history facts, now she is gone. Sending prayers and hugs.

      • Loren Kolditz says:

        Ruth Ann and Jeannie I didn’t know until this evening about your Mom. She was always a wonderful friend and a special asset to all of us in New Athens. We will all miss her. Please accept my condolences.

      • Bob & Lynn Harbison says:

        Ruth Ann, Jeanne and family. . Your Mom was special lady and we know many will miss her. Wanted you all to know we are thinking of each of you at this difficult time.

  37. Pamela Sinn Hargan says:

    Dorothy was such a sweet lady. I got to know her when my Mom was in the home. So friendly and outgoing! The family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  38. Bruce and Nancy Nuernberger says:

    What a wonderful lady, may she Rest in Peace

  39. Mary Jo and Larry says:

    Ruth Ann and family: So sorry for the loss of your precious mom. You always had such loving and supportive comments about her. I know she leaves you with many wonderful memories that will keep you smiling.

    • Debbie and Bob Matzenbacher says:

      Such a nice lady. She was always nice to my family. Happy to have had her as a friend and neighbor. She will be missed by many.

  40. Melvin Lischer says:

    Will miss her

45 Comments

  1. Will miss her

    Reply
  2. Ruth Ann and family: So sorry for the loss of your precious mom. You always had such loving and supportive comments about her. I know she leaves you with many wonderful memories that will keep you smiling.

    Reply
    • Such a nice lady. She was always nice to my family. Happy to have had her as a friend and neighbor. She will be missed by many.

      Reply
  3. What a wonderful lady, may she Rest in Peace

    Reply
  4. Dorothy was such a sweet lady. I got to know her when my Mom was in the home. So friendly and outgoing! The family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  5. Never a better neighbor. Loved growing up with the family. Sweet memories of a special lady.

    Reply
    • Ruth Ann, Jeanne and family. So sorry for the loss of your mom. She was always kind and sweet to me. I don’t know who we are going to check New Athens history facts, now she is gone. Sending prayers and hugs.

      Reply
      • Ruth Ann, Jeanne and family. . Your Mom was special lady and we know many will miss her. Wanted you all to know we are thinking of each of you at this difficult time.

        Reply
      • Ruth Ann and Jeannie I didn’t know until this evening about your Mom. She was always a wonderful friend and a special asset to all of us in New Athens. We will all miss her. Please accept my condolences.

        Reply
  6. I’m so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was an amazing lady and I was so fond of her. I grew up with Dorothy in the church and she was best friends with my grandma. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I know it was quite the reunion up in heaven for many people. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  7. Jeanne & Ruth Ann – I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. Dorothy was the most wonderful, caring, sweetest woman I have ever known. I am so glad to have grown up knowing her and spending time with her in church as well as through Grandma. She always held a special place in my heart. She will be dearly missed.

    Reply
  8. Dorothy and my Mom (Fay) were great friends, going to many Cardinal games together. Sincere condolences to your family.

    Reply
    • Dorothy was such a sweet lady. Worked with her at the bank and visited with her at the home when my mom was there. Her mind was still sharp and she could tell some stories. RIP Dorothy. Sympathies to Ruth Ann, Jeanne and families.

      Reply
  9. Your Mom was always so thoughtful even when at the Home she continued to send cards on special occasions. She will b missed by many. Hugs to the family.

    Reply
  10. I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I loved your mother and it was truly a privilege to be able to take care of her for the time that I did. Anytime I talked with her she always had a story about my family that I never knew about. Prayers to you and your family during this time

    Reply
  11. We extend our sympathy to all of Dorothy’s family. We got to know her at the State Bank in the early 70’s when we moved in the area. What a lovely, precious lady and a great friend. She had a special place in our hearts. May all your beautiful memories bring you comfort.

    Reply
  12. My sympathies to the family. I worked with Dorothy for several years at the State Bank of New Athens. Always helpful and friendly.

    Reply
  13. Jeanne and RuthAnn
    So very sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. What a wonderful mom you had. She was such a sweet woman. She will be missed my many. My deepest sympathy.

    Reply
  14. My sympathy to Ruth Ann, Jeanne, and the family. Your mom was such a sweet lady and always talked to Al and I when we visited New Athens. Cherish all those memories.

    Reply
  15. I am so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Hacker was always a sweet lady. Love and prayers to the family.

    Reply
  16. My deepest sympathies to the entire family! Dorothy was my last therapy patient when I left 3 years ago. I am so glad I came to visit her every few weeks before the pandemic and after the home allowed visitors again. I always did and still do consider her the nicest person on earth. She was a true sweetheart!

    Reply
  17. Such a nice lady. Heaven has received a true Angel. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the family. 💕

    Reply
  18. Jeanne 2, Ruth Ann & Families –

    I loved your sweet Mom so much. Sending lots of hugs & love.

    Tonia

    Reply
  19. Ruth Ann- We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We just want to let you know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

    Reply
  20. Dorothy was a very sweet lady, and cared so much about others. Remembering the good times we had in the beauty shop on Thursdays there were always a lot of laughs. Deepest Sympathy to the family

    Reply
  21. I am so sorry for you loss. Dorothy was a sweet lady. I will always remember the kindness she showed me when I was hanging out at her house.

    Reply
  22. My heartfelt sympathy to Jeannie, Ruth Ann and Rich’s families. Your mom was a very special lady and truly loved by all who knew her. She is part of my fond memories of New Athens and I can still hear her singing “How Great Thou Art”.

    Reply
  23. Dorothy was such a sweet lady. Her kindness certainly made her one of a kind. She will be missed.

    Reply
  24. Our deepest sympathy to Dorothy’s family. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  25. Jeanne and Ruth Ann my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. Your mom was a very special lady. I worked with her at the bank and enjoyed talking with her at the nursing home.

    Reply
  26. Ruth Ann and Jeanne – so very sorry for your loss. You both know she is in a much better place and free of all illness. No matter how ready you think you are for something like this – you are still never ready and there are never any words to take the pain away. My thoughts and prayers are with you. –

    Reply
  27. Dorothy was a terrific neighbor. Although she hadn’t lived in her home on N Clinton, for quite sometimes, she always said, “ hey neighbor. “ when I would see her. I’m sure she’s singing in Heaven’s great choir! R.I.P my dear neighbor and friend. My deepest sympathy to you, Jeannie and Ruth Ann.

    Reply
  28. So sorry for your loss. Dorothy helped me open my first ever bank account at the old State Bank of New Athens. She was very well liked around town. She will be sorely missed by many. May she R.I.P.

    Reply
  29. Our sympathy to all the family of Mrs. Hacker. We did not know her but I knew Rich well. Blessings.

    Reply
  30. Please accept my deepest sympathy for you loss. May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time.

    Reply
  31. Sorry to hear the passing of Dorothy, I enjoyed talking to your mom when I was visiting. My prayers are with the family

    Reply
  32. Ruth Ann and Jeanie- I am so sorry for your loss. The last few years of taking care of her was a joy. She was always happy to see me and I was always happy to see her. My prayers are with you guys.

    Reply
  33. Dorothy was a wonderful person, she always received us with a warm welcome. If we didn’t see her first, she would make sure to come to us with a sweet smile and hug. My whole life, of all those from home, Dorothy was one of my very favorites. She will forever be in my prayers. I’m very sad to see her gone. I know her family and friends will miss her.
    Jean

    Reply
  34. Remembering Dorothy from our days at the Methodist Church. She was always such a sweet lady and so much fun. She will be missed. You have our Deepest Sympathy

    Reply
  35. Jeannie, Ruth Ann, and family,

    My deepest sympathy to you all. You have many wonderful memories of your mom that you will cherish forever.

    Reply
  36. Ruth Ann, Jeanie & Pam, I am so sad to read this, I so enjoyed Dorothy, Love, and Prayers to all of you.

    Reply
  37. Ruth Ann and Jeanne,

    Please accept my condolences and sympathies on the loss of your mom. She was such a sweet lady. I remember when your mom and Richard and you girls would get together with my uncle Larry Loesche. I can still hear all the laughter. We will all hold on to the memories. I will say many prayers for her.

    Reply
  38. I’m sure my mom ( barb mohr Haefner was getting impatient waiting for her best friend. Reunited once again. So many wonderful memories of Dorothy at sunday dinners, birthdays etc. Rest in peace sweet lady.

    Reply
  39. So sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a great help to me when she was a tenant of mine on S. Clinton. I know she will be missed by all that knew her.

    Reply
  40. Jeanne & Ruth Ann, sorry to hear about your mother. She was such a great friend to my mom for years.

    Reply

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