MacKenzie Lee Hacker

MacKenzie Lee Hacker, age 20, of Wild Rose, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 17, 2024. Mac was born on May 28, 2004 in Appleton Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Corenna (Cory Pierce) Hacker. She was a graduate of Waupaca High School in 2022. MacKenzie was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome and was a fighter from the beginning. Not only did she fight with her brother Michael, if you told her she couldn’t do something she fought hard to prove you wrong. Mac loved her animals on the farm, including her bull Curly, cow Missy, her dogs and recently a kitten she rescued, Ivy. She loved doing her chores, driving the tractors, her mom’s Jeep and her 4-wheeler. Mac also loved fishing, swimming and hunting. Last hunting season was the first time she sat for an afternoon by herself. She was so proud and by the end of the day she shot her “big doe” that turned out to be a seven point buck! This season would have been her first year sitting by herself in her stand. MacKenzie loved her Special Olympics family, playing in bowling, corn hole toss and bocce ball. Her favorite was bowling with her always partner Josh. Mac had a smile for everyone and truly loved all of the connections she had with family and friends. She was a great cheerleader at her brothers’ baseball and football games. Her love overflowed to everyone she knew and was definitely a joy to those of us who knew her. 

MacKenzie is survived by her parents: John and Corenna "Cory" (Pierce) Hacker; her brother: Michael; grandmother: Jane Pierce; aunt: Suzi (Hacker) Klump; uncle Jack (fiancé: Allison) Pierce; cousins: Lisa (Ben) Harrington, Jon (Renee) Ludwig, Jr., Jensen Pierce, Cassie (Nathan) Roemer, Jack Ludwig, Luke (Natalie) Ludwig; special family members: uncles: Mike Wright, Dale Wright and Uncle and Aunt Tom and Julie Berger. She was preceded in death by grandparents: Ron Pierce, Vernon and Laura (McCauley) Hacker, uncle: Bill Hacker; aunt: Nancy (Hacker) Ludwig and cousin: Ethan Willoughby. 

Special thanks to Joe and Michele Oesterreich, Russel Butzin, Pete and Carol Fishbach. Medical Examiner Amanda Thoma, Kendele Eastman, Wild Rose first responders and the Waushara County Sheriffs Department.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma from 10AM to 1PM. Casual and Hunting attire is acceptable.