Margaret Ann Hacke

Margaret Ann (Balf) Hacke, known affectionately as Marge, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024. She was born on October 1, 1939, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Alice Rose Agnes (Carter) Balf and Thomas John Balf, joining her older brother, John (Jack) Thomas Balf. Marge's early years were spent in Eastport, Idaho, before her family relocated to Sweetgrass, Montana, in 1944, when her father was transferred to the customs office.

Tragically, Marge lost her father when she was just eleven years old, on October 17, 1950, when Thomas passed away in his sleep. In January 1951, her younger brother, Thomas Albert Balf, was born. Despite this early loss, Marge continued to persevere and graduated from Sunburst High School in 1957.

On February 15, 1958, Marge married her beloved, Lyle Henry Hacke. Their union was blessed with three children: Barbara Alice, David John, and Gaylynn Marie. Together, they started their lives, working on Gauss Farm in Sweetgrass, MT, obtaining her beauticians license, and later owning Brown’s Bus Line where they relocated to Libby, MT in 1967. 

Marge was always about family.  Over the years, many family members stayed with Marge and Lyle as she was always there to get them back on their feet.  While the kids were growing up, she enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter and motorcycle rides in the summer with friends. Summers were often spent swimming and boating at their property on Angel Island at Bull Lake.

In 1980, Marge began her career with the Kootenai Forest Service, where she eventually rose to the position of Lands Specialist. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her brother Jack (1982), her mother Alice (1898), her son David (1992), and her brother Tom (1996), Marge remained resilient and continued to prioritize her family and career, retiring from the Forest Service in 1998.

Throughout her life, Marge found joy in travel. She and Lyle embarked on countless adventures, exploring nearly all 50 states in their fifth wheels and motorhomes. From Baja Mexico to the Panama Canal, Marge embraced new experiences with enthusiasm. She cherished moments spent with her grandchildren and celebrated milestones such as weddings and births with great joy.

After Lyle's passing in 2010, Marge continued to travel, visiting Alaska with her granddaughter Katlyn in 2012 and exploring Hawaii with her granddaughter Krystan and daughter Barb in 2014.  In 2019 family and friends came together in Libby to celebrate Marge’s 80th birthday, followed by another cruise to Alaska in 2019.  She remained active in her community, celebrating family milestones and birthdays with loved ones. In 2023, relocating to Salem, OR to be closer to family, Marge was blessed with her first great-grandchild River.  She spent a lot of time with River and loved watching him grow.  Marge leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Marge is survived by her daughters Barbara Resch (Greg), Gaylynn Green (Mike), daughter-in law Becky Cassel (Dave), grandchildren Krystan Resch, Lyle Resch, Katyln Sol (Jared), Jessica Green, Brandon Green, Kaden Wack, Kelbee Puckett, and great grandson River Resch.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. The service will be held on April 5th, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Libby United Methodist Church. Reception at the Church and graveside to follow.  The family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Life potluck at the river house (946 Riverdale) at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Libby United Methodist Church, 713 Main Ave, Libby, MT 59923. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, MT.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com

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