Ralph W. Hakel

Obituary

Ralph William Hakel was born on October 17, 1924, in Silver Lake, Minnesota. He was the son of William and Christine (Tupa) Hakel. Ralph was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at the Evangelical Church in Silver Lake. He received his education in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School.

Ralph entered active military service in the United States Marine Corps on June 19, 1943, and served his country in the Western Pacific Theater during World War II, which included the Battle of Saipan. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 9, 1946, and achieved the rank of Corporal.

On December 22, 1951, Ralph was united in marriage to Ruth Drahos at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. They raised two children, Sharon and Steven. Ralph and Ruth made their home in Hutchinson. They shared 59 years of marriage until Ruth passed away on August, 12, 2010.

Ralph was employed as a lineman for Hutchinson Utilities for 18 years. He was also employed at 3M before starting his own milk delivery business, Oak Grove Milk Franchise. Ralph retired in 1989. He was a member of Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Ralph was also a member of Gopher Campfire.

Ralph enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time at their cabin near Walker, Minnesota. He also enjoyed playing cards. Ralph and Ruth loved to travel and took many trips throughout the US as well as Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Ralph especially cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren, and friends.

Ralph passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson, at the age of 100 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Ralph is survived by his:
Children, Sharon Vorphal and her husband, Kenneth;
Son, Steven Hakel and his wife, Sandra;
Grandchildren, Sara (David) Huckleberry, James (Susan) Vorphal, Tina (Jim) Katter, Chad (Karen) Hakel, Marya Hakel, Jon Hakel, Ronald (Sandra) Quaintance, Joe Quaintance;
Great-grandchildren;
Nieces, Lee Bloemke, Lynn Lindholm;
Many other relatives and friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his Parents, William and Christine Hakel; Wife, Ruth Hakel; Sister, Virginia (George) Lindholm.