Gerald Hachmeister

Gerald Elmer "Hack", son of Elmer and Emma (Deeth) Hachmeister, was born December 19, 1928, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, IA. He grew up on the farm in Greene County near Coon Rapids. Gerald attended country school then graduated from Coon Rapids High School. He then continued to work on the farm with his father. On January 20, 1949, Gerald was united in marriage with Shirley Bell at Trinity Lutheran Church near Coon Rapids. The couple lived in a house on the Hachmeister acreage and six sons were born to their union. In 1965 they moved to an acreage closer to Coon Rapids and then to Shirley's parents' house in town in 1993. Gerald worked repairing small engines and in various agri-businesses after he left full-time farming. His family and grandchildren were his top priority; however he was also an avid pilot and had a passion for airplanes. Gerald was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with his family and friends. Gerald died unexpectedly at home in Coon Rapids on Saturday morning, November 8, 2014. He was 85 years, 10 months and 20 days of age. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Jake and Ruth Bell; and son David Hachmeister. He is survived by his wife of 65+ years, Shirley Hachmeister of Coon Rapids; five sons: Greg (Janet) Hachmeister of Coon Rapids; Randy (Janet) Hachmeister of Burlington; Jeff (Laura) Hachmeister of Coon Rapids; Mark (Linda) Hachmeister of Coon Rapids; and John Hachmeister of Coon Rapids; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.