Mike Hackenberg Memorial Fund

Mike Hackenberg died way too soon on 30 Nov 2021. He has left a massive hole within his family and in overlapping communities of friends and coworkers. He fiercely loved his wife Amber and his three sons Mikey (28), Evan (18), and Logan (16) who are painfully adjusting to his absence.

 

Mike was a force of nature, never seeming to need to rest and always there to solve a problem or lend a hand. He was extremely generous, always eager to help a friend with a project, as it seemed there was nothing he couldn't fix or build. His metal work earned blue ribbons at the West End Fair, where he was a regular volunteer, serving on the concert committee and being responsible for regular maintenance of the facilities. Mike usually had a grin on his face, which might have been hidden by his distinctive mustache, earning him the nickname of Mustache Mike. He worked hard at Bucknell and did his job well, however, his quiet volunteer labor was also integral into the establishment of other features of the university campus, including the Bucknell Farm, the Lewisburg Community Garden, and the Animal Behavior labs.

 

He was always happy to share the harvest from his gardens, and was equally willing to teach people how to grow their own food (even while getting over his shock when he’d discover that some of his biologist friends really don’t know the first thing about gardening!). Whether hunting for mushrooms of our native woodlands, jerking venison, or drying/preserving his harvests, he was always making something to share with others. He was known for his butchering skills, sausage production, and smoked cheeses. Mike was an avid hunter and fly fisherman and he loved spending time on Penn’s Creek and on the Madison river in Ennis, Montana where he intended to retire. Often surrounded by family and friends, whether in the West End of Union County, on Bucknell’s campus, or in Montana, Mike was usually laughing or sharing a story with the best foods and drinks. He will be deeply missed.

 

Mike was someone who showed up when folks needed help.  He was always present, doing the things that friends do for one another – and he usually did this without having to be asked. Sometimes he’d be helping strangers.  I’ve put together this GoFundMe page to help this family that I love. Mike was one of my best friends.  He made me laugh and he taught me that you don’t always have to use words to tell people that you care about them: you can do that through action.  We could all learn something from friendship like his.

 

If you can join me in helping Amber, Evan, and Logan during this unimaginably hard time, please give in Mike’s honor. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

 

Donations will go directly to Amber to support future educational expenses for Evan and Logan.

 

Family and friends are welcome to a Celebration of Life at 4 p.m., Friday, December 17th at Hartley Township Recreation Center, 49 Ballpark Road, Millmont, PA that will be officiated by Pastor Richard DeVett, followed by a time of fellowship.