Rodney Hacker Obituary

Rodney “Rod” Hacker, of Sanger, CA, died peacefully at home on July 6, 2022 surrounded by his family after a long illness. Rod was born on November 18, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA to the late James O. Hacker, Sr. and the late Ramona Lackaff Hacker. Rod grew up in Sanger, CA with his three brothers. After Rod graduated from Sanger High in 1964, he joined the Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. While serving in Vietnam, Rod was shot in the abdomen. The bullet came to rest near his spinal cord where it remained throughout the rest of his lifetime. He was awarded with a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War. After, Rod was honorably discharged from the Army, he attended college at California State University - Fresno where he met his wife to be, Shirley. Rod received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the California State University-Fresno. He married Shirley Overgaard in 1976.

After graduation, Rod was hired at the Fresno Auto Dealers’ Auction. He quickly rose to the position of general manager. During that time, Rod also held the office of President of the Western Auto Auction Association and later, was president of the Fresno Used Car Dealers Association. Following Rod’s retirement from the auction, he served on Congressman George Radanovich’s Small Business Advisory Council and also, bought a Baskin Robbin’s Ice Cream store as well as partnered with his wife in real estate investments. He was also a founding member of New Covenant Community Church where he was a member since 1988.

Rod loved and took pride in his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and his family’s ranch. Other interests were sailing, flying planes, vacationing, and eating out at restaurants. He especially loved to spend time with both his family and friends. Many of his high school classmates were lifelong friends. Surviving are his wife, Shirley L. Hacker; daughters, Sarah M. Hacker and Cindy H. Gold; son in law, Steven Gold; two grandchildren, Joshua Gold and Audrey Gold; brother Michael R. Hacker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at New Covenant Community Church located at 1744 E. Nees, Fresno on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 11:00 am followed by a reception. Both the service and the reception will be in the Student Ministry Center.