Arthur Lietz Hackbarth ("Art"), born January 31st, 1935, was called to his eternal home on June 4th, 2025, at his residence in St. Paul, Minnesota at the age of 90 years.

Art was born to the late Reverend Herbert and Emma Hackbarth (nee Roeder) in Winner, South Dakota and was baptized into the Christian faith on February 17th, 1935.  He spent parts of his childhood and youth in Stanton, NE, Dexter, MI, and Echo, MN, and eventually graduated from the preparatory high school at Martin Luther Academy (formerly Dr. Martin Luther College – DMLC) in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1953.  Afterwards, he attended college at DMLC in New Ulm where he prepared for the teaching ministry within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).  During his college years, Art worked many different jobs, the most significant of which was a summer he spent working on the now-retired Milwaukee Clipper Ship.  He graduated from DMLC in 1957.

Art first met the love of his life, Judith Ann Hackbarth (nee Larson), during his second year of high school while attending Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Michigan.  They had their first date on October 9th, 1954, and their relationship blossomed in the years when they both attended college at DMLC.  They were married on August 10th, 1957, had four children, and enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage.  In their later years, Art and Judy's love and devotion to one another became a powerful living testimony to the Love that had been instilled in both of them by their Savior.  They were blessed with 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Art served as a teacher and principal in the WELS schools for 40 years.  He served elementary congregational schools in Johnson, MN, Niles, IL, Oak Creek, WI, (where he was the founding administrator), Waterloo, WI, and Lake City, MN.  Art also helped to establish a residential wing for handicapped adults at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, MN.  In addition to his duties as teacher and principal, Art's contributions to the various congregations and schools he served included choir directing, coaching, and whatever was needed at any given time (organist, custodian, cheerleader, or "chief cook and bottle-washer".)

Art was known as a dedicated and hard-working teacher and principal.  But he will probably be most remembered and appreciated for his enthusiasm and humor, and his genuine love for people.  Whether he was singing or directing choir, teaching poetry to 7th graders, coaching basketball, or cheering young athletes (with his characteristic and recognizable "Hubba-Hubba!"), his sense of humor and his enthusiasm were contagious.  He put his heart into all that he undertook, and wore it on his sleeve, as well.  He loved meeting people, and strangers he met were never strangers for long.  Whether during a formal introduction or a chance encounter, after only a few minutes of his genuinely interested inquiries, he would always find some common ground to share with everyone he met.  His warmth and hearty laughter could always put people at ease.  And because of his great and genuine empathy, his tears came easily as well.

In his retirement, Art continued to enjoy people's contact through various positions and volunteer roles.  He did everything from cleaning used cars at a local car dealership, to delivering flowers, to teaching safe driving to seniors, to writing letters of faith and encouragement to prison inmates.  He enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family members, and spending time with loved ones.  In late life, he lived at several residences for seniors and continued to enjoy people contact with staff and other residents.  Even to the day he died, he communicated his humor, humanity, appreciation, and good will to people around him.

Art's love for people was only matched by his love for his Savior, and his overwhelming gratitude for the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness he received from God throughout his life. We are grateful for all the blessings he received, for the friendships he enjoyed, and for all the gifts he shared with others during his earthly life.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, his wife's parents George and Ruth (Hooge) Larson of Corunna, MI; sisters Charlotte Hackbarth and Eunice (Milton) Owens of Mankato, MN, sister Rachel Seebach (Carl) of St. Peter, MN, brother-in-law John Schibbelhut of La Crosse, WI, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Duane and Carol (nee Larson) Amos of Owosso, MI.  He is survived by his wife, Judith Hackbarth of St. Paul, MN; children Philip Hackbarth (Kim) of Neenah, WI, Ruth Harris (Scott) of Minneapolis, MN, Rachel Rathmann (Tom) of Zumbrota, MN, and Jonathan Hackbarth (Jennifer) of Sparta, WI; brothers Hilbert Hackbarth of Mankato, MN, and Fritz Hackbarth (Rhonda) of Onalaska, WI; sisters Lydia Schibbelhut (John) of La Crosse, WI, Grace Anderson of Mankato, MN, and Lois Frieling (Wouter) of Blaine, MN; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and their extended families.  Art also leaves behind many dear friends and co-workers that he counted among his greatest blessings.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at The Willows of Ramsey Hill in St. Paul, MN for the love and care they provided to Art during the last 7 months of his life.  You truly made it possible for him to end his life with dignity, strength, and peace.  Thanks also goes to the staff at Laurel Manor in Onalaska, WI, and the staff at Benedictine Manor in La Crosse, WI.

Christian funeral services will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frontenac, MN on June 12th, 2025, at 11am, with visitation beginning at 10am and a luncheon to follow.