Donald H. Hackmann

Donald H. Hackmann, age 89, of Clinton Township, formerly a longtime resident of Northville, passed away on January 10, 2018. He was born May 14, 1928 in Bellevue, Kentucky; son of Harry and Marie (nee Moeller) Hackmann. Donald graduated from Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Kentucky.  He continued his education at University of Cincinnati where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII.    Donald was united in marriage to Anita Gosney on May 21, 1951; they spent 64 years devoted to each other as husband and wife until her death on December 22, 2015. Donald worked for many years as an accountant for Vroom and beer distributors; following his retirement he opened his own tax service and had several clients in the Northville area.  He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Northville.  Donald was very generous with his time, he volunteered for many things in community such as making breakfast for the homeless where he earned the nickname “Grit Man,” and with the Salvation Army as a bell ringer strategically stationed in front of the bread store.  He served as the Treasurer for both Novi Township and First United Methodist Church for several years and on the board for the Northville Swim Club.  Donald traveled extensively throughout the United States; he also visited Europe and Vancouver.  He enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre and Wizard.  He also enjoyed golfing and watching harness racing at Northville Downs.  Donald was an avid sports fan; he liked to watch football, basketball, and baseball.  His favorite teams were Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds.  He liked to garden and had a wonderful vegetable garden at his home in Northville.  Donald was a terrific cook; he made delicious soups and chili and was a master at the grill.  He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren; he loved being a grandparent and attending all of their events.  Donald is survived by his loving children, Sherry McCue, Bruce (Louise) Hackmann, and Lori (Michael) Finn; his grandchildren, Kathleen, Scott, Joel, Andrew, Erin, Kaitlin, Amanda, Megan, and Rene; and his great grandchildren, Owen, James, Mason, Eloise, and Liam.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Hackmann; his daughter, Lee Ann Schanne; his parents; his brother, Edward; and his sister, Betty.  The visitation will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.    Rev. Monica William from First United Methodist Church will officiate the service.  Mr. Hackmann will be laid to rest next to his wife at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church, 777 W. 8 Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167, please put Hospitality Week in the memo line of the check.