David James Hackbarth, 63, of Iowa City, IA and Fish Creek, WI, died on Oct. 4, 2014, in Iowa.  He was born on March 5, 1951, in Antigo, WI to Clarence and Ida (Dobbs) Hackbarth.

David earned his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in safety engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Stout.

Most of his career he worked for the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as an occupational health and safety engineer.  Later in his career, David became a pioneer in the field of ergonomics.  He worked directly with patients implementing and applying the latest innovations in his field.

In his earlier years, he relished the summers spent at his parent’s cottage on Bass Lake near Antigo.  David loved to sail and always owned a boat.  He most recently enjoyed sailing on the waters of Green Bay.  As a man of faith, Dave served as a Deacon at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Iowa City for many years.  He will be remembered as a good friend to many and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include two children, Brian David Hackbarth, Fish Creek; Barbara (Erich) Pfeifer, Sturgeon Bay; sister, Carole (Rod) LaLuzerne, Green Bay; sister-in-law, Nancy Jo Hackbarth, Antigo.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry.

A visitation will be held at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, from 4-8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Bay View Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay.  Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

 Service Information