Violet Mae Hackbart

Violet Mae (Radke) Hackbart, age 100, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Aspirus Hospice House, just a month after celebrating her 100th birthday. Born on January 14, 1926, she was the fifth of eight children born to Paul and Bertha (Goetsch) Radke.

Violet was a strong, determined woman who always made the best of any situation. In order to attend high school, Violet and her sister, Grace, moved into an apartment in Wausau as it was too far to commute from their family farm. After graduating, during World War II, Violet traveled with two friends to Washington, D.C., where she worked at the FBI, reading fingerprint cards.

On September 13, 1947, Violet was united in marriage to Norton Hackbart at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin. Together, they moved to Milwaukee, where they raised three children: Bonnie, Lois, and Roger. As her children entered high school, Violet pursued beauty school and worked as a beautician for the rest of her life, continuing to cut family members' hair until she was 99 years old. When the family moved back to Wausau, Violet opened and operated two beauty shops. She, along with her daughter Bonnie, Lois, and daughter-in-law Faye, also co-founded the House of Fashion clothing store, which they successfully ran for 16 years.

Violet and Norton enjoyed traveling, visiting Germany several times, as well as other countries. They were active members of the Polka Club, German Club, Pommerscher Verein, and a card club. Violet also loved trips to the casino. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren at their cottage in Tomahawk and enjoyed taking them to rummage sales. The arrival of her great-grandchildren brought even more joy to her life.

Violet is lovingly survived by her children: Bonnie (Jim) Von Rueden of Wausau, Lois (Pete) Kufahl of Ringle, and Roger (Pam) Hackbart of Marathon. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy (Brad) Lund of Cheyenne, WY; Brian (Benjamin) Von Rueden of Dresden, Germany; Matthew (Janelle) Kufahl of Hayward, WI; Jessica (Adam) Janisch of Albert Lea, MN; Jeremy (Bridget) Hackbart of Milwaukee, WI; and Stacey (Richard) Borre of Rockton, IL. Additionally, she is survived by step-grandchildren Alyssa (Jay) Forss of South Range, MI; Quinn (Ivy) Forss of St. Paul, MN; and Grant (Becca) Forss of Poynette, WI. Her great-grandchildren include Claire, Carson, Angus, Myers, Scarlett, and Dax Lund; Elias Von Rueden; Kayleigh and Jenna Kufahl; Connor and Jack Janisch; Melanie and Abigail Borre; and Beatrice Violet Hackbart. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Norton; her infant son, Rodney; daughter-in-law, Faye; and all seven of her siblings.

Violet was determined to remain in her home and successfully did so until she was over 99 years old. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Pride TLC, Interim Home Hospice, and Aspirus Hospice House for the wonderful care she received in her final year.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Helke Funeral Home (302 Spruce St, Wausau). Pastor Karoline Schwantes will officiate. Friends and family are invited to greet the family at the funeral home for a time of visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Violet will be laid to rest next to Norton and Rodney at Restlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St Stephen Lutheran Church Wausau, Wisconsin in Violet's name.

Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Center (715) 842-3993 is honored to assist the Hackbart family with arrangements. Please visit www.helke.com for online condolences and to view a livestream of the funeral service.