Clarence W. Hackbarth

Clarence Walter Hackbarth, 90, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018, at his Independence Village residence in Midland, Michigan. Clarence was born on December 12, 1927, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Norma Hackbarth. He grew up in the Milwaukee area, eventually graduating from Rufus King High School in June, 1945. After high school, Clarence served a short time in the Navy before being honorably discharged in 1946. He later attended Elmhurst College in Chicago, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in June, 1954, and then enrolled in the University of Wisconsin. While attending the University of Wisconsin, he worked at the Greendale Theatre in Greendale Village, where he met his future wife and love of his life, June Hackbarth (née Splittstoesser). June sold tickets while Clarence worked as a manager. Clarence proposed to June in Greendale on February 14, 1956, and they married on August 17, 1957.

Clarence and June enjoyed 58 years of a beautiful and affectionate marriage. After Clarence graduated with a Master of Science in Sociology in August, 1958, they moved from Greendale to Florence, Alabama, and had their first child, Richard (1958). As their love flourished, they continued to build a life with each other, bringing two more sons, Scott (1963) and Mark (1967), into the world. After four different moves, Clarence and June finally settled in Midland. Clarence taught Sociology at Delta College for twenty-six years, and ended his career as Chair of the Social Science Division. Many students and coworkers remember him as a favorite teacher and mentor. Clarence was also a passionate fan of the Bears, Raiders, Yankees, and Cubs, and was able to see a game at the old Yankee Stadium and a Cubs World Series win before he passed.

Clarence is survived by his three children: Richard Hackbarth (Carol) of Grand Rapids, Scott Hackbarth (Kimberly) of Seattle, and Mark Hackbarth (Patricia) of Midland, as well as his cousin, Betty Pizzo, of Milwaukee and his sister-in-law, Karen Holpfer (Don), of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He will also be missed dearly by his 8 grandchildren, his granddaughter-in-law, his two nephews, and all others whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his wife, June, his mother, Norma, and his father, Clarence.

Those who loved Clarence remember him as a kind, selfless soul, whose quiet disposition reflected his deep sense of caring for others. He always chose his words with deliberate care, so that when he spoke he could light up the room with a clever remark or a good-natured joke. The world will miss his generous heart and infectious spirit.

In lieu of a memorial service, Clarence's estate asks that donations be considered for the Clarence and June Hackbarth Memorial Scholarship fund at Delta College. Donations can be sent to: Delta College Foundation, 1961 Delta Road, University Center, MI 48710 (Attention: Mary Harding). Arrangements are under care of the Wilson Miller Funeral Home. Personal condolences can be left at www.wilson-miller.com.