Gail Hackney

With hearts full of love and gratitude, the family of Gail Hackney announces his peaceful passing. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Eldora, Iowa. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with a luncheon following the service. Gail will be laid to rest following the luncheon at Sheppard Cemetery in Union, Iowa.  With honor, Adams Celebration of Life is serving the family. 

Born on January 31, 1936, near Newton, Iowa.

He was the son of Odetha (Mulbrook) and Rex Hackney, and from an early age, Gail had a knack for figuring things out especially if it involved a wrench and a motor. 

On June 6, 1958, Gail married the love of his life, Kathleen Wehrman, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, Iowa. Together, they made their home and hearts in Gifford, where they raised a family rooted in hard work, and a healthy appreciation for lemon meringue pie and a cold Pepsi.

Gail spent the majority of his working life with Hackney Quarries, where he wasn't just an employee and working with his Dad Rex, he was eventually an owner and the go-to man who could fix just about anything. Whether it was a blown engine, a stubborn piece of farm equipment, or a neighbor's lawn mower, if it was mechanical, Gail could bring it back to life.

He wasn't just a man of machines; he was also a farmer at heart. At one point, he operated a chicken house with 10,000 egg-laying hens—a testament to his tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He even built two homes with his own hands, enjoyed tinkering on cars and trucks in his spare time, and once had a stint of drag racing for good measure. Life with Gail was never boring.

Gail's proudest titles were those of Dad, Grandpa, and Papa Gail. He is survived by his children: Kevin Hackney (fiancé Annette VanThournout), Kimberlee Catrenich (Carl), Kellee Kemp (Bob). 

He leaves behind a legacy of love in his seven grandchildren:  Andrea Strovers (Ryan), Alison Wolfs (Josh), Nick Catrenich (Samantha), Nate Catrenich (Diane), Jaclyn Morganroth (Tyler), Bryce Kemp, and Brady Kemp; and six great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Olivia Hackney, Conner, Maezlyn Wolfs, Makenna Buss, Bella Strovers, and Leo Morganroth.

He is also survived by his brother Ron Hackney, and was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Hackney, his parents, his brother Norman, and an infant brother.

Gail Hackney was a man of many talents and loved visiting with anyone.  His hands were always busy and his heart was always open. Whether you knew him from the quarry, the farm, the drag strip, or just shared a slice of pie with him at the kitchen table, you were better for having known him.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered every time a stubborn engine turns over, a Pepsi cap is popped, or a lemon meringue pie graces the table.