Lucille C. Hack
September 14, 1923 - May 21, 2007

Lucille Hack was a strong, loving woman who enjoyed traveling, singing and performing. Above all, though, Lucille loved being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She gave so much of her time and energy to her family, not because she had to but because she wanted to share fully in their lives.

It was the 20's, Lucky Lindy, flappers and flivvers. Women had gained the right to vote. It was into this exciting time that Paul and Rosa (Lanzer) Genuit of Napoleon, Ohio were overjoyed with the birth of their first child. On September 14, 1923, they welcomed their daughter, Lucille. She was later joined by her two brothers, Lee and Jim, who completed the Genuit household.

Lucille enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up in a loving and stable home with a strong Lutheran upbringing. Her father earned much of his living as a self-employed Realtor, though he also owned several other companies. Besides being an entrepreneur, he was an excellent musician. Her mother was a consummate homemaker who was known for her delicious cooking and baking. By the time Lucille was in her early teens, she loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. In the eighth grade, she began singing on a local radio show. In 1936, Lucille's family moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, though she didn't join them there until a year later. However, they all returned to Napoleon in 1939.

Lucille received her education in Napoleon. With her singing talent, she participated in many of her high school musicals and plays. After graduating from Napoleon High School in 1941, Lucille went on to attend the University of Michigan, where she initially majored in music, but eventually earned her degree in Literature. In her junior year at U of M, Lucille met Donald Hack in the University Chapel. Donald was a Lutheran like she was, and it didn't take long for them to strike up a conversation with each other. Love soon blossomed between the two and after graduating in 1946, they were married that summer on July 6th, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Napoleon.

Donald had graduated from medical school that year, and thereafter continued his training in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG). He remained in the Naval Reserves while he did his residency in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. It was here that Lucille and Donald became proud parents with the birth of their daughter, Carol Ann. In 1948, the family of three moved to Detroit, where they quickly became a family of four with the birth of their son, Gregory Stuart. Two years later, Donald was called to service and the family moved to Oakland, California, where they lived on the Navy base for the next three years. During this time, Donald and Lucille welcomed the birth of another son, Jeffrey William, in 1952, who completed the Hack family.

Lucille had many fond memories of living in California, including picnics at Half Moon Bay, the San Francisco Wharf, and family time at the movies and base pool. By 1953, the Hacks had moved back to Detroit. Lucille loved being a mother to her three children, and was content in being a homemaker. In 1954, when Greg developed polio, Lucille was his constant caregiver, and drove 60 miles every day for his treatments. When Donald bought into a medical practice in Muskegon in 1956, the family moved here and put down roots at 3875 Lake Harbor Road. Then in 1966, Lucille's dream house was built at 3945 Easthill Court, and throughout the construction process, Lucille had her hand in everything, making sure it was perfect.

In Muskegon, the family became active members of Trinity Lutheran Church, where Lucille participated in the choir and the Altar Guild. She also substitute taught from time to time at the Trinity Lutheran Schools, where her children attended. Music was a big part of Lucille's life and in 1972, she became the choir director at her church, and she joyfully did this for 25 years. She also put her passion for the arts to use in her community, and became a well known soloist. But in 1985, these things took a back-seat to her becoming a grandmother with the arrival of her first granddaughter, Whitney. Then in 1992, she was blessed with another granddaughter, Madison. Lucille was in her glory whenever her granddaughters were around and she could spoil them with her love.

Lucille and Donald liked to travel and had literally been around the world. They visited Russia, Japan, Israel, Italy, France, Alaska and the 1972 Olympics. Their children lived all over the U.S. so they took many trips to see them and their grandkids. Donald retired from his practice in 1986, but unfortunately fell ill in 1989. Lucille was devoted to his care for the next three years, until his passing in 1992. Through all this, Lucille kept herself busy with her church activities and drew strength from her faith. In September of 2003, Lucille fell and broke her back. She then went to live in assisted living at Seminole Shores. Her health was never the same after her accident, however her spirit never diminished and she remained friendly and strong in faith until her end.

What gave Lucille the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed - her time. It is a gift none of her family will ever forget.

Lucille C. Hack, age 83, of Norton Shores, MI, died on Monday, May 21, 2007. She is survived by her 2 sons: Greg (Barbara) Hack of TX, and Jeff Hack of WA; her daughter, Carol (John) Ordowich of CA; 2 granddaughters: Whitney and Madison; 2 brothers, Leon (Cassie) Genuit of OH and James (Pat) Genuit of TX; several nieces & nephews. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Donald Hack, and her parents, Paul and Rosa Genuit. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Dennis Lassanske & Rev. Herbert Graupner officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Lucille or sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Trinity Lutheran Church Organ Fund.

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