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Ralph G. Hackenberg, age 90, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2023, in Virginia Beach, VA with family by his side. He was born October 18, 1932, to Chauncey and Mabel (Fox) Hackenberg. Upon his graduation from Three Rivers High School, with the class of 1950, he worked at Eddy Paper Mill until he was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1952 where he served his country for 2 years as a Military Security Guard. Ralph served in several states in that time frame including Camp Atterbury, IN; Ft. Knox, KY; Ft. Bragg, NC; and White Sands Proving Grounds, Holloman Air Force Base, NM. He came back to Michigan where he worked for 40 years at Consumers Power Co. (Consumers Energy) in Kalamazoo. During his employment there he worked as a meter reader (walking most of the city monthly) and ended his employment there as a Polyphase meterman. He truly enjoyed his years working at the company.
On July 22, 1961, he married Jeremaine (Jere) Raudman of Constantine. They enjoyed their almost 62 years of marriage and had a wonderful life together, enjoying time with their family and traveling to visit children and grandchildren. Their travels took them to several states, including Hawaii, and even an overseas adventure to Paris, France. He made certain that his children were taken on a family vacation each summer to see this great country. He was an automobile enthusiast, collected model cars (mostly Fords) and showcased them for everyone to see. In his retirement years he enjoyed working in his yard, playing cards and board games with family and friends, watching Detroit Tigers games, working Jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with loved ones.
Ralph is a member of the Ninth St. United Methodist Church, where he held many positions throughout the 58 years there.
He is survived by his wife Jere, 3 daughters Sheryl (Don) Bainbridge of Venice, FL; Shelley (Scott) York of Virginia Beach, VA; and Holly (Dave) Howard of Three Rivers. Five grandchildren Travis Bainbridge of San Francisco; Somer Bainbridge of Indiana; Amber (Alex) Combs of Clarkston, MI; Justin (Courtney) York of Virginia Beach, VA; Courtney (Matt) York of Virginia Beach, VA. Two great granddaughters, Charlotte Combs, and Isla York; a sister, Joyce (Richard) Knight, Three Rivers; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death, a still born daughter, Stephanie Kay; his parents, four brothers, Clayton, Walter, Warren, and Rolland; and four sisters, Mary, Vera, Margaret, and Alene.
On July 23, 2023, we will celebrate his life at the Ninth St. Methodist Church with visitation commencing at 1:30, and funeral services at 2:30, with interment to follow at Moorepark Cemetery near Three Rivers. Officiating will be done by Carolyn Fisher.
Contributions can be made to Thurston Cares Adult Day Care Program, Sturgis. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
