Gary R. Hackerott
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May 19, 1937 - May 23, 2023
Gary R. Hackerott was born 5/19/1937 to Oscar and Ruth (Mason) Hackerott in Osborne, Kansas where he was raised with his four brothers and two sisters.
In 1955, Gary met his future bride Shirley Krug of Russell, Kansas on a blind date, but the calling of California caused him to head west where the promise of a bright future, adventure, and opportunity lay ahead. Gary found work right away as his personality and strong work ethic made him a much sought-after employee.
In 1956, Gary returned to Kansas to marry Shirley on January 14, 1957. Soon after, the newlyweds said goodbye to family and friends to return to California. Gary began working various full-time jobs while picking up side-jobs to make a living for his growing family. On November 10th, 1957, a daughter, Brenda was born and on April 12, 1960, a son, Brian also joined the family. While in California, Gary worked for Goodyear Tire and then Fisher Body, a division of General Motors where he worked until 1967 when they moved back to Kansas to be closer to family.
Shortly after returning to Kansas, Gary began to work for Randy’s Steaks, a local frozen foods wholesale company supplying food items to restaurants, drive-ins, grocery stores, and schools. Gary bought the business from the retiring owner, and G.H. Food Service was born. Gary successfully owned and operated the business for approximately 20 years providing a great life and living for his family. Gary had friends all across the state of Kansas due to his business and the fact that “he never met a stranger.” During those days, Gary took a risk investing his hard-earned dollars in a new start-up local company, Osborne Industries. As one of the original investors, Gary watched with pride as Osborne Industries grew into the thriving company it is today.
After retiring and selling G.H. Food Service, Gary went to work for the city of Osborne to keep himself busy where he took care of Osborne’s parks and cemetery for all to enjoy. Lastly, Gary took great pride watching over and working at the local car wash, whose signage features a depiction of his beloved red 1953 Studebaker Champion.
Since childhood, Gary had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing as often as possible. Gary was known to be an “amazing shot,” bagging pheasants, quail, dove, turkey, and deer, just to name a few. Gary enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, in addition to hunting and fishing, with some of his Intarsia work being displayed in homes and businesses in the community. Gary was an early member of the Osborne Gun Club where he helped to develop and build the gun range located next to the Solomon River. Gary was also an early and active member of the local Pheasants Forever Chapter helping them to raise funds for the organization focused on creating wildlife habitat. The annual Youth Fair hosted by the Pheasants Forever Chapter was something Gary was a proud promoter of, teaching young boys and girls (and their parents) the importance of gun safety and the joys of hunting and fishing. The Youth Fair continues to be an event that brings many families from all over the state and surrounding states to Osborne, Kansas each year. Gary was also known to be a great storyteller and local historian as he shared his wisdom, knowledge, and humor along with hunting and fishing tales with anyone fortunate enough to share a “short one” (Crown Royal and Sprite) with him.
Gary’s strong spirit, determination, and never give up attitude helped him fight a 12-year long battle with Parkinson’s disease ending 5/23/2023.
Dad, you will be greatly missed by your family and many, many friends. Our memories of you will keep you in our hearts until we meet again!
Gary’s family includes children Brenda (Hackerott) Hamel and Robert of Osborne, Brian and Gale (Cassaday) Hackerott of Osborne, six grandchildren, Jerrica (Hamel) Baum and husband Steve of Kansas City, Missouri, Ryan Hamel of Manhattan, Kansas, Brianna Hamel of Osborne, Amber (Cassaday) Walla and husband Jeremy of Overland Park, Kansas, Jennifer (Cassaday) Brown and husband Chris of Kansas City, Missouri, Randy Cassaday and wife Jennifer of Troy (St. Louis area) Missouri, and a bonus-granddaughter, Teri House and husband Ray of Salina, Kansas. Gary’s great-grandchildren include Isaiah Baum, Maguire Baum, Bryce Brown, Cassidy (Brown) Jandreau and husband Zack, Corey Brown, and Jaden Brown, Janae Walla, Ian Walla, Sophia Walla, Duncan Walla and wife Ilona, and Brayden Cassaday.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Ruth Hackerott, brother Raymond Hackerott, sister Doris (Hackerott) Grieg, brother Rex Hackerott, and brother Keith Hackerott.
Gary is survived by his wife Shirley (Krug) Hackerott, brother Dave Hackerott, and sister Linda (Hackerott) Otte.
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