Walter Victor Hakala

Walter Victor Hakala, 77 of Cromwell died on Saturday, May 12, 2007 in St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth with his family by his side. He was born in 1929 in Cloquet to Herman Victor and Naimi Hakala. Walter attended school in Cromwell. He married Joyce Richards on October 11, 1954. Walter was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and was a former member of the church council. His work history includes: Bushey Brothers Store, Conwed, DNR, Game and Fish, Peat Plant, and Diamond Match before retiring in 1992. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, hiking and traveling. Walter especially liked helping build the church and was involved in the pew exchange. You could always count on him to help wherever needed. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, George Stone; and brothers, Arnold and Donald. He is survived by his wife of 52 1/2 years, Joyce; children Crystal Hakala, Walter Jr. (Mary), Herman, Ed (Linda) and Amanda Hakala all of Cromwell, Sheryl (Daniel) Smith and Gail (Tom) Smith both of Wright, Laurel Freeman of Moriarty, NM, Muriel Darris of Indianapolis, IN; 17 grandchildren, Kyle and Heidi Smith, Matthew and Tara Hakala, Samantha, Selena, Jordan and Justin Smith, Tina Gallegos and Natalie (Kenny) Poyner, Chester Darris, Curtis, Jamis and Skyler Hakala, Kaicee Hakala, Denette Hakala and Elyzabeth Sutherland; and 5 great grandchildren, Amaginet, Kenneth and Aalayiah Poyner, and Sadie and Orlando Ortiz. The family wishes to thank St. Luke's 5-east ICU staff for their attentive care and support of the family. Thank you to Pastor Janeva for her visits and support. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet, MN.