George Hackett

George M. Hackett, age 83, of Morristown, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford. Interment will be held at the Corpus Christi Cemetery in Medford.    Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral home in Faribault on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.    Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association of Minnesota, Paralyzed Veterans of America or Seminary Education Fund through the Diocese of Winona    George Martin Hackett, the eldest son of John and Christina (Stouffel) Hackett was born on December 4, 1925 in Faribault. He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1944. After graduation, George served his country during WWII in Japan. After his discharge from the service he graduated from Mankato Teachers College in 1950 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He was united in marriage to Catherine DeFrees on December 27, 1950 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault. George first taught in Adrian, Minnesota for two years. He and Catherine moved to Mankato in 1953 where he taught science and math at Lincoln Junior High for 28 years. He obtained his Masters of Science Degree from Mankato State in 1968. In addition to teaching and coaching, George farmed in Steele and Rice County from 1957-2007. After his retirement from teaching in 1981, George and Catherine moved to the farm near Morristown. George and Cathy enjoyed wintering in Arizona, most recently in Mesa.    He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Catherine Hackett of Morristown; by his six children Michael (Annie) Hackett of Faribault, Patricia (Niles) Batdorf of Duluth, MN, Christine (Rodney) LeVake of Faribault, Ann (Michael) Yungner of Maple Grove, MN, Mary (Allen) Peterson of Eden Prairie and Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Wickmann of Northfield; by 22 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; by brothers Leo (Arolyne) of Hastings, Patrick (Delores) of Chicago, IL, John of Polo, IL and sister Mary Valone of Lady Lake, FL.    He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Joseph and Francis Hackett.    George's goal was to provide well for his children and grandchildren. He encouraged them in their education. His family is thankful for his deep quiet faith, work ethic, honesty, integrity, love and generosity.