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John R. Hacklander, 89, our beloved father and friend peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2015 at his home in Janesville, WI. He was born on March 26, 1926 in Downers Grove, IL to Clarence and Dorothy Hacklander.  In 1956 he married Marianne McKaig and together they raised their daughters Anne E. Hacklander-Ready, Jean H. Jenkins, and Jaleen M. Hacklander.  He is survived by his three daughters, grandchildren Jonathon T. Ready, Trine M. Ready and his sister, Jean Hacklander-Alexander.  His parents and wife predeceased him. John was particularly known for his sense of humor, lively nature and generosity.  Wherever he went, he left a lasting impression.  He had a lifelong love for flying and the Republican Party.  Few loved this country with the passion that he did.  He was an avid scuba diver in his younger years.  Hacklander Mink Farm, which operated for close to 30 years was started by John with his wife Marianne by his side..  Hadaya Egyptian Arabians was founded by John and Marianne in the early 1970s and still continues through their daughter.  John was the founder of The Hacklander Farms Airport, located for a number of years on his home farm.  He was a WWII Veteran and served as a US Navy Medic which deservedly so, was very proud of.   His numerous community services include: Founder of the Avalon Boy Scout Troop with Ralph Douglas, and was Scout Master and Merit Badge instructor with Ralph for 4-5 years, Friendly Indians leader (YMCA) with Hap Little at Emerald Grove Congregational Church, Church Sunday School teacher, Director of The Emerald Grove Cemetery Association for 35 years, a term as the Bradford Township Supervisor, Clinton School Board for 13 years, Fur Foods Cooperative Organization (mink) for 25 years, President of The WI Board of The Fur Farmers Organization for 3 years, EMBA Mink Farm Cooperative & Great Lakes Mink Farmers member for 30 years, EMBA director, member of EMBA Advertising Committee, BSA/Dakota District camping chairman for a number of years, active in the Rock County Republican Party, and taught scuba diving at the local YMCA pool for several winters A visitation will be held 10:00am-11:30am on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home in Janesville, WI.  Funeral services will follow and will be performed by Pastor Jason Benjestorf. Military rites will be performed by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621. A special thank you to Heidi Phetteplace, Gary Krause, Home Health United and Hospice for the special care they gave John in his last months. In lieu of flowers PLEASE consider Memorial donations to be made to The White Cross Gift Organization.  This is a new organization that he was in the process of founding to help individuals in the community and we are proud to be carrying on in his honor. One of his many quotes that were dear to him was “In the End It’s not the years in Your Life that matter, but the Life in Your Years.” By Abe Lincoln.  He certainly lived up to this.

John R. Hacklander, 89, our beloved father and friend peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2015 at his home in Janesville, WI. He was born on March 26, 1926 in Downers Grove, IL to Clarence and Dorothy Hacklander.  In 1956 he married Marianne McKaig and together they raised their daughters Anne E. Hacklander-Ready, Jean H. Jenkins, and Jaleen M. Hacklander.  He is survived by his three daughters, grandchildren Jonathon T. Ready, Trine M. Ready and his sister, Jean Hacklander-Alexander.  His parents and wife predeceased him. John was particularly known for his sense of humor, lively nature and generosity.  Wherever he went, he left a lasting impression.  He had a lifelong love for flying and the Republican Party.  Few loved this country with the passion that he did.  He was an avid scuba diver in his younger years.  Hacklander Mink Farm, which operated for close to 30 years was started by John with his wife Marianne by his side..  Hadaya Egyptian Arabians was founded by John and Marianne in the early 1970s and still continues through their daughter.  John was the founder of The Hacklander Farms Airport, located for a number of years on his home farm.  He was a WWII Veteran and served as a US Navy Medic which deservedly so, was very proud of.   His numerous community services include: Founder of the Avalon Boy Scout Troop with Ralph Douglas, and was Scout Master and Merit Badge instructor with Ralph for 4-5 years, Friendly Indians leader (YMCA) with Hap Little at Emerald Grove Congregational Church, Church Sunday School teacher, Director of The Emerald Grove Cemetery Association for 35 years, a term as the Bradford Township Supervisor, Clinton School Board for 13 years, Fur Foods Cooperative Organization (mink) for 25 years, President of The WI Board of The Fur Farmers Organization for 3 years, EMBA Mink Farm Cooperative & Great Lakes Mink Farmers member for 30 years, EMBA director, member of EMBA Advertising Committee, BSA/Dakota District camping chairman for a number of years, active in the Rock County Republican Party, and taught scuba diving at the local YMCA pool for several winters A visitation will be held 10:00am-11:30am on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home in Janesville, WI.  Funeral services will follow and will be performed by Pastor Jason Benjestorf. Military rites will be performed by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621. A special thank you to Heidi Phetteplace, Gary Krause, Home Health United and Hospice for the special care they gave John in his last months. In lieu of flowers PLEASE consider Memorial donations to be made to The White Cross Gift Organization.  This is a new organization that he was in the process of founding to help individuals in the community and we are proud to be carrying on in his honor. One of his many quotes that were dear to him was “In the End It’s not the years in Your Life that matter, but the Life in Your Years.” By Abe Lincoln.  He certainly lived up to this.