Joanne K. Hakala

Joanne K. Hakala, 92, of Keewatin, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9th, 2024, at Hillcrest in Nashwauk, MN, surrounded by her loved ones.

Joanne was born on March 21, 1932, to Paul and Mary (Musich) Emanuel in Keewatin. She graduated from Keewatin High School in 1950 and attended the Don Moore School of Cosmetology to pursue a career as a beautician. During that time, she married the love of her life, Dean Hakala, on May 26th, 1951. Joanne loved spending time with Dean traveling and having an all-around good time. She was a social butterfly as she had many friends and a giant heart. Joanne liked to keep busy, working hard and involving herself with everything. She had endless amounts of energy and loved to volunteer whether at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keewatin or with the Hibbing Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a bookkeeper for their business, Hakala’s Body Shop, a Notary Public and on the Keewatin Library Board. Joanne was an avid reader and enjoyed her jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Above all, she enjoyed being with her family and absolutely loved being a grandma (Nana Jo).

She is survived by her children, Camille (Jeffrey) Perrella, Craig (Melissa) Hakala, Kathleen (Jeff) Hill and Lisa (Ron) Stocco; sister, Dorothy Kunze; grandchildren, Jeff D., Joe, Louisa, Nikki, D.J., Josh, Samantha, Graham and Ariel, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Joanne’s family would like to thank the staff and her friends at Hillcrest, along with Fairview Hospice for all the amazing care and support. Please consider a donation to Fairview Hospice if desired.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, Minnesota starting at 11 AM with a committal following the service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, Minnesota. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. The family welcomes everyone to join the reception following the committal service at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing.

Arrangements are made with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave your condolences.