Service Information
Leona M. Hackbarth, age 89, of Belle Plaine formerly Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in the Buffalo Lake City Cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Obituary
Leona Mae Hackbarth was born on April 9, 1932, in Grafton Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Edward and Helen (Kohn) Schmidt. Leona was baptized as an infant on May 1, 1932. She received her education in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1950.
On July 13, 1951, Leona was united in marriage to Otto Richard Hackbarth Jr. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brookfield Township, Renville County, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Steven, Michelle, Scott, Greg, and Brad. Leona and Otto lived in Hector a short time prior to moving to Van Nuys, California, for one year. They then returned, settling in Buffalo Lake to care for Leona’s mother, Helen, and to raise their family. In 1985, they lived in Richmond, Virginia for one year. In 1986, Leona and Otto moved to Shakopee, Minnesota, where they resided until repeated health issues caused their moving into The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota.
Along with being a loving homemaker to her husband and children, Leona was employed seasonally at Green Giant in the 1970s and then became a bus driver. While living in Richmond, Virginia, Leona worked at the local K-Mart. She was also employed at Tires Plus in Chaska, Minnesota, as their bookkeeper, and also worked at The Census Bureau, while living in Shakopee. When the family moved back to Buffalo Lake, she began driving school bus for the Buffalo Lake schools. She retired in 2000. Leona was known as the town “Avon Lady” as well as, “Mary Kay Lady” throughout her entire life.
Leona was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake.
Leona loved to dance in her earlier years, and could be seen at the Lake Marion Ballroom twirling around the floor with Otto. She also enjoyed drawing, growing flowers, bowling, listening to music, going on walks, and going on many trips. Leona and Otto’s doors were always open to other children who needed a safe haven and foster parenting. Leona especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.
Leona passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, at the age of 89 years. Blessed be her memory.
Leona is survived by her:
Children, Steven Hackbarth of Maricopa, AZ,
Michelle Henkels and her husband, Kevin, of Bloomington, MN,
Scott Hackbarth and his wife, Brenda, who have been residing in various areas after selling their
family farm in Slayton, MN,
Greg Hackbarth and his wife, Pat, of Gaylord, MN,
Brad Hackbarth and his wife, Benita, of Hutchinson, MN;
23 Grandchildren;
31 Great-Grandchildren;
Brothers, Rueben Schmidt and his wife, Carol, of Bloomington, MN,
Harold Schmidt;
Many other relatives and friends.
Leona is preceded in death by her Parents, Edward and Helen Schmidt; Husband, Otto Hackbarth Jr.; Siblings, Virginia Minks, Fern Penticoff, Roland Schmidt Elvin Schmidt; Brothers-In-Law, Larry Minks and Dennis Penticoff; Sister-In-Law, Darlene Schmidt.
Twyla G Waller says
Hackbarth Families,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Leona was a very special person to me. I remember going to visit her with Mom,and Aunt Margaret, when they lived in Buffalo Lake. I hold many fond memories of your Family. Blessed be her Memories.
Twyla & Chuck
Brad Koenig says
My condolences to the family.
Connie says
Thinking of the Hackbarth family at this time. Sorry for your loss of your mother.
Connie Curry
Romans 8:38-39
karen (Novotny) Kohout says
My Sympathy and Prayers to Leona’s family. I remember what a wonderful couple her and Ottie were. She is at peace now and they are together again.
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
So sorry for your loss.
bob bulau and Mary Bulau says
Sorry for your loss !! Great family !!
ERIKA HOVERSTEN says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family of Leona. She was a special lady, always willing to help, and full of kindness.
Cherish the memories!!!!!
Dick and Erika Hoversten.
Jeanne Kadelbach says
Hackbarth family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Have fond memories of your family growing up in Buffalo Lake! Leona always seemed to have a smile on her face whenever I saw her. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Jon & Sylvia Radtke says
Prayers for the family in your time of loss
Jo Reck says
Dear Brad and Beni~
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother, Brad. I only just now found out about her death, and want to let you know I am thinking of you, and hoping all the precious memories you hold close to your heart will keep her spirit close to you always. She’s healthy and reunited with you dad now~ much love, Jo