Jayne E. Hacker

Funeral services for Jayne Hacker of Benson, formerly of Hancock will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Starbuck Community Center in Starbuck, with Reverend Mike Troen officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 at the Pedersen Funeral in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the Starbuck Community Center in Starbuck. Burial will be at a later date.

Jayne Elizabeth Ritter, daughter of Fabian and Elizabeth (Robertson) Ritter, was born September 24, 1959 in Morris, Minnesota. Jayne was baptized on October 4, 1959 and confirmed on October 15, 1972 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, MN.  She began her schooling in Chokio, graduating from Chokio-Alberta High School in 1978. She continued her education at Alexandria Technical School in the Clerical/Office Assistant Program. After receiving her AA Degree from Alexandria, she moved to the Twin Cities where she began her career with the University of Minnesota.  Jayne was united in marriage to Lowell Hacker on June 20, 1987, at West Zion Lutheran Church in rural Hancock.  Jayne’s secretarial position was transferred to the University of Minnesota, Morris, in the Division of Humanities.  She and Lowell made their home in Hancock where they raised their family.  In January of 2021, Jayne retired from the University.  Recently, Lowell and Jayne moved to Benson where they lived until Jayne’s death.

Jayne enjoyed reading, playing card games, and going out to eat.  She always enjoyed taking her family to the many plays, productions, and concerts that the University of Minnesota would put on.  Jayne loved to be surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren.  She relished in the time that they would spend at her house, either for a visit or if she was watching them. 

Jayne died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the Benson Hospital in Benson, Minnesota.  She was 63 years old.

Jayne is survived by her husband: Lowell Hacker of Benson; three children: Stephanie (Eric) Payne of Benson, Benjamin (Eilidh) Hacker of Arlington, WA, and Margaret (Keegan) Fennell of Starbuck; step-son: Joey (Amanda) Hacker of Versailles, KY; 10 grandchildren: Sam, Brodie, Millie and Baby Hacker, Cooper and Parker Hacker, Ezra, Audrey, and Emoreigh Payne, and Monroe Fennell; three sisters: Joan Michaelson of Morris, Sandy (Don) Wienhold of Long Prairie and Micki Ritter of Otsego.  She is preceded in death by her parents: Fabian and Elizabeth; siblings: Peggy, Geri, Lynn, and Tom; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law: Donald and Janet Hacker; brothers-in-law, Gary Michaelson and Dan Luthi; nephew, Joseph Wienhold; niece, Michele Serbus; and great-nephew, James Michaelson.