Monica C. (Hacker) Olenchek

Monica Celeste Olenchek (nee Hacker) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. She was 73. Although deeply missed, she is finally home in the arms of Jesus: her savior and best friend. She exuded readiness, confidence and gladness about going to Him.

Monica’s Christian faith was the bedrock of her life, and her personal relationship with Jesus was her most treasured possession. That relationship drove her to share God’s love with others. She worked as a nurse for 40-plus years, serving everyone from newborn babies to retired religious sisters. She engaged in many small acts of kindness — sending greeting cards to brighten others’ days, bringing comfort items to friends battling cancer and gifting candles to her favorite employees at the various stores she frequented throughout the city. She enjoyed feeding birds outside her house.

Monica’s generous spirit came from her profound gratitude for a second chance at life when she overcame addiction on March 4, 1983. She actively participated in AA and NA and, even after 43 years of sobriety, still attended meetings and provided mentorship. She celebrated her recovery anniversary as a second birthday and considered each day of her new life as a gift from God.

Monica loved her church, her country, and her coffee and candy. As an engaged member of Mercy Hill Church in Bay View, she attended services, assisted the hospitality team and participated in prayer groups. She took her responsibilities as an American seriously — she voted, volunteered at the Milwaukee County Republican Party office and followed current events. She showed a keen interest in America’s past and future. And she savored a cup of strong coffee at the beginning of the day and candy late at night.

Soon after Monica became a homeowner at age 55, she began growing sunflowers, for which she became better known than almost anything. Each spring, she dutifully planted her “babies” and watched in awe as they grew all summer. Often, more than 100 sunflowers towered over her tiny front yard, amazing neighbors, friends and passersby. The flowers were even visible to drivers on nearby I-43. She smiled whenever she talked about them.

Like Monica’s sunflowers, her independence and spunk stood out. She spoke her mind and fearlessly advocated for herself and her patients. In her cherished Chevy Venture, she hunted for deals and made friends at thrift stores, Pick ‘n Save, Country Maid and Papas Bakery. She also drove outside the city to enjoy “God’s country.”

Monica is survived by her daughter, Christina Reardon, and son-in-law, Dennis Reardon; her siblings, Anne Fisher, Tom Hacker, Patricia Tucker, Catherine Scherwinski, Geralyn Sellhausen, Joe Hacker and Claudia Hacker; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Joan Hacker; and her siblings, Johnny Hacker and Mary Herr.

Monica greatly appreciated her family and friends who prayed for, visited, called, texted and sent cards in her final months. Thanks also go to staff at St. Luke’s South Shore Hospital, St. Croix Hospice and Franciscan Villa who cared for her.

A celebration of Monica’s life will occur Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Mercy Hill Church (2842 S. 5th Court, Milwaukee, WI, 53207). Pre-service gathering will start at 10 a.m., The celebration service will begin at 11. A light lunch reception will follow until 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and share memories. To honor Monica’s vibrant spirit, feel free to wear bright colors or sunflower attire (dark clothing is optional).

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