Linda S. Hacker

Linda S. (Specht) Hacker, 81, of Auburn, passed away surrounded by loved ones at the family home of 49 years September 16, 2025.

Born on the family farm 5 miles northeast of Farmersville, Linda was the third of six children born to Henry Donald and Irene May (Vangeison) Specht. She grew up alongside her sister Phyllis and four brothers—Robert, Ralph, Charles, and Lonnie.

Linda married Jon David "Dave" Hacker September 5, 1964, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames, Iowa. She is survived by her beloved husband Dave; her sister Phyllis (Paul) Cannon of Rock Falls; and her brothers, Charles of Champaign and Lonnie (Carolyn) of Farmersville. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Robert (Charlene) of Farmersville and Ralph (Pat Anjoski) of Pawnee.

A devoted mother, Linda, is survived by two daughters Kimberly Huntley (Chuck) of Springfield and Kourtney Murphy (Chris) of Dallas, TX. She cherished her role as "Nana"; to the Huntley grandchildren and "Nani"; to the Murphy grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through five grandchildren: Meghan Donaldson (Tyler) of Springfield; Morgan Huntley (Kayla) of Rochester; and Macie Huntley of Pensacola, FL; and twins Kaden and Cole Murphy of Dallas. She was a proud great-grandmother to Charles David "Chad"; Stella Rae, and Adelynn Jane Huntley of Rochester.

In addition to raising Dave and her daughters, Linda had a remarkable career capped by 33 years of service at Farmers and Merchants State Bank/Prairie State Bank and Trust in Virden, where she worked as Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer.

A devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Virden, Linda was deeply committed to parish life. She served on the Ladies Society, the Financial Council, the Renovation Committee, the Church Cleaning Team, choir member, eucharistic minister, mass reader, and co-chaired the parish’s Funeral Dinners. In 2023, she was honored by the Diocese of Springfield as Sacred Heart’s “Woman of Distinction” for her dedication and service.

Linda was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, Fighting Illini sports and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sports and cheerleading activities over the last 30 years.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virden, IL. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Virden Cemetery.

Memorials in Linda’s name may be made to Sacred Heart Church Pew Renovation, 722 N. Springfield St., Virden, IL 62690 or the Foundation for Women’s Cancer at foundationforwomenscancer.org.