When Egid Hackner immigrated to La Crosse in 1880, he brought with him a passion for his art that he turned into a business that became known nationally for its crafting of fine altars and church furnishings. His devotion, experience, and education equipped him to succeed in the industry.

Egidius Hackner was born in Bavaria in 1856 to Johann and Crescentia Hackner. The youngest of 15 children, he was one of 6 to survive to adulthood. Growing up, he played an active role in his community’s church. At the age of ten, his lifelong love of church art was entrenched when he watched an artisan paint frescoes on the church walls.

Resolved to make his passion into a career, Egid apprenticed under renowned master, Michael Wagner, in Freistadt for three years. His apprenticeship completed, Egid traveled Europe visiting numerous churches and museums. During this time, he supported himself in the employ of woodworking shops. He then attended the School of Art at Munich where he studied carving in wood and stone, decorations, cabinet work, and statuary.

At age 24, Egid then embarked for America and joined his older brother Father Willibald Hackner in La Crosse.