Julie K. Hacker, 50, of Eau Claire died suddenly Friday, Oct. 30, 2009.

Julie was born March 26, 1959, to Gerald and Dona Otto. She grew up in Eau Claire, where she attended St. Bede and graduated from there. She spent many of her younger years making memories and mischief with her lifelong best friend, Laura Strum.

A woman of fiery passion and varied interests throughout the years, Julie was a master of the art of homemaking; though her primary love affair in life was, and always will be, with matters of the heart. She was married to Todd Hacker April 22, 1994, and was passionately and deeply devoted to her family through thick and thin. She taught everyone who knew her a lesson about unconditional love. That was her primary occupation throughout her life's ups and downs. Julie loved card games, casino games, her pets, a heart-to-heart conversation and creating the kinds of crafts Home Interiors would beg to add to their catalog collection.

Julie dedicated herself entirely to those she loved. She spent the middle years caring for her children and her late years caring for her parents. Julie will be sadly, sorely and severely missed. Although the memories of Julie and her love will bring joy, they can never replace the presence of such an amazing wife, sister, mother and grandmother.

Julie is survived by her husband, Todd; children, Jessica Miller (Charles Newberry), Sean Deardorff, Jessie (Brandon) McNett and Tiffany Hacker; grandchildren, Austin and Naomi Newberry; sister, Jamie (David) Otto-Coenen; brother, Jon (Sally) Otto; lifelong best friend, Laura Strum; and niece, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dona, on June 15, 2009; and her father, Gerald, on Oct. 29, 2009.

A celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Evergreen Funeral Home (on Golf Road one block east of Highway 93). Visitation will from noon until the time of service Thursday. Interment will be at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.

Evergreen Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.