Sarah Ann (Siebenaler) Hackenmiller
Tuesday, June 7, 1977
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Age:
36 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday August 08, 2013
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday August 09, 2013
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Friday August 09, 2013
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Tuesday, June 7, 1977
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Age:
36 years old
Tuesday, June 7, 1977
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Age:
36 years old
Sarah Ann (Siebenaler) Hackenmiller
Sarah Ann (Siebenaler) Hackenmiller, 36, of Rochester passed away Sunday, August 4th, 2013, due to complications from a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis and a recent double lung transplant.
Sarah was born in Rochester to James and Sheila (Pervin) Siebenaler on June 7th, 1977. Diagnosed with CF at 18 months old, she was given a life expectancy of only about 18 years. Growing up on a small hobby farm, she loved raising and caring for animals. She attended John Marshall High School, where she played the flute in the band. She credited this with developing her lung capacity that kept her healthy later in life. Sarah attended Rochester Community College, obtaining her AA degree in 2002, and graduated from St Mary’s in Winona with a BA in Graphic Design in 2004.
She married Christopher Hackenmiller, also of Rochester, in 2005. They enjoyed spending time with their dog, Marco, and taking road trips and long walks when she was able.
Sarah worked at IBM, Embroidery Plus, and then Rochester Community Education as a graphic designer for 8 years, before starting a business selling her artwork and illustrations. She was hospitalized in June of 2011 and spent 4 ½ months in ICU before receiving a double lung transplant in October of 2011. Sarah and her family are grateful for the care and kindness of her doctors and nurses.
Family was the most important part of Sarah’s life; she loved holidays and family gatherings. As her health failed, she spent time recounting family vacations; it was a source of comfort and strength. She especially loved her nieces and nephews.
She never looked at her illness as a curse, but rather embraced it as part of the guiding force that helped her become the woman she was; Sarah was kind to everyone she met. That kindness gave her a gentle strength that drew people to her. Even at her most painful moments she pointed out how others were suffering more than she and was thankful for the life she had. She always found the silver lining.
Sarah died peacefully at St. Mary’s with her family by her side.
She is survived by her parents, James and Sheila Siebenaler of Rochester; her husband, Christopher Hackenmiller of Rochester; siblings, Tricia (Chris) Hedrick and their children Josephine and Cooper of Baldwin, WI and Tony (Alana) Siebenaler-Ransom and their children Grae and Kai of Minneapolis.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alex and Olivia Siebenaler, and Frank and Henrietta Pervin, and by her father-in-law Kenneth Hackenmiller.
A visitation will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester on Thursday, August 8 from 5-7pm and a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m., also at Gloria Dei. There will be a visitation before the service starting at 10 a.m.
Sarah requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to the Mayo Clinic for Cystic Fibrosis care.
Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Sarah Ann (Siebenaler) Hackenmiller has received the following condolences.
My Dear Extended Family of Sarah Hackenmiller,
I am sorry for our loss of Sarah Hanckenmiller. She has been an inspiration to our family. The last few years we have been following the email updates of Tony and have been touched by his informing us of each step of her fight for life. Sarah lives still. Her beautiful portraits, memories, and letters reflect her life's vibrant meaning and love for all. I am glad to have met Sarah in person this summer at the Siebenaler Family Picnic and very grateful for our family's gatherings, as Sarah also enjoyed. Together we will encourage and comfort each other during this time and always. I am sorry for our loss and pain and pray it eases very soon. Love, prayer, and hugs to you all.
In Christ,
Tricia Kramer
Sarah was a beautiful person inside and out. It was a blessing to have spent time in her presence. Sarah's family provides a perfect example of how a true family should love. I thank God for your presence in the world. I only wish it had been for a longer time.
Jim and family--
I am a Pax Christi parishoner also.
I was so sorry to hear of your daughter's death.
You have my deepest sympathy--
Tudy Kaune
Sarah was a wonderful person and a great patient. She was always upbeat and an inspiration to many. It was a joy to meet her and her wonderful, supportive family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Kimberly Yocom, MB6E
Jim and family,
I am a Pax Christi parishioner. Jim, you taught both my kids in 5th grade, Sarah and Jacob. I believe Sarah had her transplant while you were teaching one of the kids or during summer camp. I am so sorry to hear of her death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Nikki, Tony, Sarah and Jacob Weber
My condolences to the Siebenaler and Hackenmiller families. Sarah was such a beautiful bright person and she will be missed! I can remember being in band with her for years; what fond memories! May God bring you peace during this very sad time.
Hugs and Love, Sarah
Oh Miss Sarah....though I came to know you only a few years ago, I feel like I knew you so much longer than that. I am so glad I bumped into you at Lowes while you were out with your mom that day. You looked so great! I think it was the Spring following your transplant. I enjoyed it when you and your dad stopped by our house the day my husband and I were fighting about exterior color choices. You two saved our marriage that day by stopping just at the right time. Ha!!! The last time I saw you I was buzzing around Sams Club and there you were with your parents....again looking so good! I remember these moments because it was so special seeing you out, living your life and doing your "thing". I will miss "seeing" you on facebook and just knowing you are there. You were a true joy to know.
My sympathies and prayers go out to all of Sarah's family. She was a gem.
Paint us some terrific sunsets, girl!!!!
Sarah, what a shining star you will be in heaven!! We are sure going to miss you....love you always, Auntie P
I have followed your journey on carepages. By reading the entries, I could feel the love of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. . May you find comfort in the promise of the Resurrection.