Brian L. Hackbarth

Brian Lee Hackbarth, age 62, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He was born on July 16, 1963, to the late David and Janet (Kickbusch) Hackbarth in Wausau. Brian had attended Wausau East High School. On October 15, 1988, he married his soul mate and best friend: Denise Podgorski, in Wausau, a union lasting over 36 years. Denise survives.

Brian was a farmer through and through. His priority was family and farming. He would take in his kids’ animals, and be their caretaker, usually teasing that he ran a “beef sanctuary”! Brian did some custom work for people, whether it was bailing hay, spraying or cash cropping. He was the owner and operator of Hackbarth Grain Farms in Wausau, alongside his son, Brandon. Before farming, he drove truck for Madison Freight. Brian enjoyed helping his kids raise and show beef at the fair when they were younger, working on and caring for his trucks, snowmobiling and camping. He also looked forward to trips with his CAN-AM, going boating or most recently, playing a few rounds of golf and loved watching the Green Bay Packers! Brian had a love for politics, talk radio and Snapchat. He took pride in taking care of his things and making them last. Brian had the most contagious belly laugh, you couldn’t help but laugh with him! He knew how to have good, wholesome fun, was the life of the party and was an overall happy and fun-loving man. Brian was a devoted and loving father and husband, with an unwavering love for his family, he was often thought of as “Mr. Mom” and “Mr. Clean”. He and Denise would often enjoy many Friday night fish fries together. He found comradery with his farming community and offering a helping hand whenever possible.  He was a member at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wausau.  Brian was a generous and loving man that will be missed dearly, but he has left many good memories for his family and friends.

Brian leaves behind his wife: Denise Hackbarth, daughter: Brianna (Jared) Wardall and son: Brandon Hackbarth, all of Merrill, brothers: Duwayne (Sharon) Hackbarth and Jack Hackbarth, along with many nieces, nephews and good friends and neighbors. He is further survived by all of his beloved pets and farm animals. Brian is preceded in death by his parents, his farming friend: Jim and his best buddy, his black lab: Ozzy.

The funeral service for Brian will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, in Merrill. Pastor Yauo Yang will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at Mechanic’s Ridge Cemetery in Wausau.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to the wonderful and caring medical staff at both Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. Their kindness and professionalism were very much appreciated. They would also like to thank their local farming community for all of the love and support they have received.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Brian’s name to the PPA (Partnership for Progressive Agriculture), which is a non-profit organization whose focus in on agriculture promotion and education. Website to donate is http://marathonppa.org, or donations can be mailed to:

Partnership for Progressive Agriculture

1000 W. Campus Dr.

Wausau, WI 54401

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.