"Beck, Jean, Bud, and Charlie....just heard... peace be with you...my heart weeps, a very strong women has left our world but not the heart. I love you your Mom so much. So now Joanie is loving on your Dad. Two peas in a pod....almost enough to smile. I am so sorry for your loss ! Love you Joan. "
In loving memory of
Joan Marie Hackbarth
June 15, 1936 - December 5, 2017
Joan "Granny" Hackbarth, 81, of Ridgeway, MN died Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse. Joan was born June 15, 1936 in Black River Falls, WI to Robert and Pearl (Nuszloch) Babcock. Her family moved to Pickwick where she spent most of her childhood. She attended the Pickwick school and Winona Senior High. She met Arden Hackbarth on a blind date. They were true sole mate and when Arden returned from the military in 1954, they decided to get married on June 4, 1955. They farmed together until they bought Hackbarth Feed Mill. The Mill burned in 1970 and with the help of the Ridgeway Community and Family they rebuilt the Hackbarth Feed Store. Commited to their community, together they ran the business for 32 years. Joan and Arden shared a love of motorcycling and snowmobiling with friends. Joan loved her four children and all of there friends. When Joan became a grandma for the first time, she became known as "Granny" to everyone who knew her. Granny's door was always open.
Joan is survived by her children, Becky Watkowski, Jean (Steve) Halvorson, Robert "Bud" (Kim) Hackbarth, Todd "Charlie" (Tami) Hackbarth; grandchildren, Chad, Nikki, Sam, Andy, Lindsey, Ethan, Casey, Cody, Jessi, Angie, Stef, and Branda; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marion "Toots" (Ken) Nelson, Robert Jerry (Carolyn) Babcock; siblings-in-law, Alice (Roger) Hackbarth, Ardell Kunst, Roger Neitzke, John Hackbarth, Marilyn Hackbarth. She us preceded in death by her loving husband, Arden; sister, Kay Neitzke; brother-in-law, Robert Kunst.
A visitation will be held 4-7 PM, Sunday, December 10 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, December 11 with visitation one hour prior at Cedar Valley Lutheran Church. Interment at Bush Cemetery, Ridgeway. Please view her tribute video and leave a memory of Granny at hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"Becky, Jean, Bud and Charlie - so sorry for your loss. Joanie had a heart of gold and always looked to help anyone she could. She will be sorely missed and I'll always remember her and all the good times we shared together. Love Brenda "
"Sorry for your loss prayers and hugs to the families you have our deepest sympathy "
"Ridgeway lost a beautiful person, heaven gained a glorious angel. Fly high dear friend along with all your loved ones that have gone before you. Becky, Jeanie, Bud, and Charlie...cherish your memories and rely on your friends and family through this difficult time. It is not good bye, it is until we meet again. Love and hugs to all. Mary Stampka "
" So many memories of Joanie and Arden when I babysat the kids and Ole almost lived there in the summer. She never forgot a friend. Love to you all- Nute"
"I cannot tell you how sad it makes me to lose Aunt Joanie. She was one of a kind; the most generous and loving aunt we could have had. I remember visiting Aunt Joanie and Uncle Ardy and my cousins at their home so many times, and all of the visits were memorable. No one wanted to leave the table after supper. The conversations just kept going. Even as a kid, those conversations we so much fun. She had a way of making everyone happy, and will be very greatly missed. Becky, Jeannie Bean, Buddy and Charlie, I am so sorry for your loss. I love you all! "
"What a lovely lady she was, always so warm and wonderful. So many childhood memories of ponies, snowmobiles and fun with cousins Beck and Jean. Condolences on your loss. RIP Aunt Joannie. Kim (Babcock) Kinsey "
"What a Ridgeway Icon Joannie was. Always a smile and a good word. I enjoyed running in to her in Winona just to see that smile. She will be missed and will live on in our hearts. Dave and Sandy"
"Im so lucky to have called you my gran you were the most amazing strongest women I've ever meant and ill miss your smile your laugh and you hugs;) wish i could have gotten one more squeeze from my granny. Grandpa ardie started walking your way 20 years ago, now its your turn. Walk his way and meet him in the middle. Rest in piece love you so much jes Kaiden n kylee russeau"
"My sympathy to the family of Joan. Thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Joannie was someone who could make you feel good about anything and always made you feel special. I can hear her say "Love ya Chickadee". She was always there for our family and my mom. Remember all the good times snowmobiling. I can remember once she got off her snowmobile and the snow was so soft and deep that it came up to her hips. So many great memories I will cherish. I know how much she loved her family and I know she is with Arden now and I can seem them hugging one another. Will miss you my friend. Marly"
"Becky, Jean, Bud and Charlie, so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close and knowing she's with your dad may bring you some peace."