Kenneth Leon Hackenbracht

Kenneth Leon Hackenbracht, 97, of Greentown passed away on June 6, 2020, at 5:25 PM in Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana.  He was born July 31, 1922, in West Lafayette, Coshocton County, Ohio, to Frank and Grace (Swigert) Hackenbracht.  On January 1, 1947, he married Miriam Pearl Wyrick.  They were married for 38 years until Miriam’s passing on January 28, 1985.

He is survived by two daughters, Sherrill (Danny) Jarrard of Columbus, Indiana and Jo Hackenbracht of Noblesville, Indiana.  In addition, he leaves behind two granddaughters, Shannon (Jeremy) Owens of Reading, Pennsylvania and Heather Jarrard of Columbus, Indiana, and two great-granddaughters, Lorelei and Annabelle Owens of Reading, Pennsylvania.  Also surviving, Betty (Mullen) Wyrick Hackenbracht whom he married November 28, 1986.

Additional survivors include two half-brothers, Clyde Hackenbracht of Massillon, Ohio; Oscar Hackenbracht of Newcomerstown, Ohio; one half-sister Ann (Hackenbracht) Chilton of Youngstown, Ohio; a second cousin, Connie (Woodmansee) Keyton of Greentown; also surviving many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Miriam; two brothers, Marion Francis Hackenbracht of Arcanum, Ohio; Howard Swigert Hackenbracht of Greentown, Indiana; and three sisters, Velma Rose (Hackenbracht) Anderson of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Lillian Maxine (Hackenbracht) Wickline of Dayton, Ohio; Mary Ellen (Hackenbracht) Fleming of Bellflower, California; and half-sister Sally (Hackenbracht) Shalosky Walters of Youngstown, Ohio.

Kenneth was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army.  He was a Technician 4 of the 112th Airborne Signal Service Battalion from February 11, 1943 to March 26, 1946, serving in England, France, and Germany.  He worked as a message center clerk and powerman installing, adjusting, maintaining, and repairing radio transmitting equipment. He served and received campaign ribbons from Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  Decorations and citations included the American Theater Ribbon; EAME Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars; Good Conduct Metal; and the Victory Metal World War II.  He was inducted at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and honorably discharged at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

Kenneth came to Indiana from Ohio in the late 1930’s.  He worked on the farm with his uncle Grant and aunt Lillian (Hackenbracht) Woodmansee and his cousin, Hubert Woodmansee.  After the war, Kenneth returned to Greentown to farm.  Working the land and raising livestock, he enjoyed farming and lived the remainder of his life on the farm near Greentown.  His favorite color was International Harvester Red.  Kenneth enjoyed collecting cookbooks, pocket watches, and reading World War II history.  Another favorite pastime was watching all forms of motorcycles or auto racing, especially the Indianapolis 500.  The college football game between Ohio State University and the University of Michigan was another favorite interest.  His love of animals was evident with his two dogs, Lady and Buttons, a cat, Missy, along with any strays that showed up on the farm.

Special thanks go to Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford Place Health Campus Rehab and Nursing Home, Elara Caring Hospice, and Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, Greentown.  The family deeply appreciates the love and friendship of Connie Keyton, Brian and Patty Renbarger, Dennis Claire, and numerous neighbors of Jackson Township.

Private services were held on June 20, 2020, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating.  Military services were conducted by the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team.  Burial was at Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown, Indiana.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Kokomo Humane Society.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com. 

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