Mark Joseph Hackman, age 62, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away on July 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children after a brief but courageous battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
Born on June 9, 1963, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Mark was the son of John "Jack" and JoAnne Hackman. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1982 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1987. Mark dedicated his life and career to serving others, working tirelessly with vulnerable youth populations before finding his calling as a social worker with Racine County in the mid-1990s. For over two decades, Mark committed himself to making a difference, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves, cut through red tape, and fight for those who needed it most.
Outside of work, Mark's life was rich with simple joys and unwavering devotion to his family. A steadfast Chicago Cubs fan, he relished the long-awaited 2016 World Series victory, a moment he spoke of often and cherished deeply. Though his fishing expeditions rarely yielded record-breaking catches, he loved the peacefulness of the water and the company it brought. Mark found happiness around a backyard campfire, where laughter, stories, and the occasional Cubs game on the radio filled the air.
More than anything, Mark was a family man. He was a constant fixture at his children's sporting events, cheering them on with pride that knew no bounds. His hearty laugh and warm, crow's feet-lined smile were signatures of a man who lived generously, loved deeply, and never missed an opportunity to lend a hand or offer a kind word.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Julie, and his children: Jessa (Nick) Victor, Jack (Emily) Hackman, Aleah Hackman, Shane Landvatter, and Heather Balderrama. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Harlow, Braydon, Anuhea, and Brody, his mother, Joanne Hackman, his siblings, Anna (Dave) Hackman-Morris, Jerry (Sherry) Hackman, Mary (Dave) Zukowski, and Amy Johnson, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John "Jack" Hackman; his brothers, John Hackman and Michael Hackman, and his sister-in-law, Laura Hackman.
Those who knew Mark will remember him as a man of integrity, humor, and heart — someone who showed up, worked hard, and made life better for those around him. His memory will forever be carried in the hearts of those he touched.
Visitation will be held
on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory (
4600 County Line Rd, Mt Pleasant, WI 53403
). A celebration of life will immediately follow
at 6:00 PM
at the same location.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that monetary donations be made to Julie Hackman @julie-hackman-5. These contributions will be donated to Behavioral Health Services of Racine County in tribute to Mark Hackman, a dedicated team member who served with compassion and commitment. The funds will support the case managers who continue his legacy by assisting individuals in crisis.
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."