Obituary of Richard Waino Hakala

Richard Waino Hakala, 77, of Four Seasons, Missouri, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 at his home. Richard Hakala was born in Keene, New Hampshire to John and Senia Hakala on April 1, 1943. He went to high school at Marlborough High and graduated in 1961. He went on to earn a Masters in Education from St. Louis University. He worked as an educator and principal for over 40 years. Other forms of recognition included volunteer of the year for the Learning Disabilities Association of Missouri, River of Life appreciation award for time and effort to ministry, recognition from Lutheran Family and Children Foundation, and appreciation of dedication from the Lafayette High School Lancer Regiment marching band. He enjoyed many hobbies. They involved woodworking, painting, stained glass, antiquing, decorating, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Another big part of this life was music. He directed choirs, handbell groups, and played the organ for over 64 years. Family was always his focus. He always enjoyed taking time to setup activities, places to go, and vacations to take. He loved being a Grandpa. Richard is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Genevieve Ness (husband Dave, Tyler, Ethan), son Eric Hakala (wife Angie, Brianne, Natalie), and daughter Heidi Miller (husband Brad, Landon, Amelia); his sister Joyce Gupta; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Senia Hakala, and brother Arnold. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11 am on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Memorial donations may be made to King’s Academy at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lake Ozark, Missouri, or Lutheran Family and Children’s Services. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the kind people that cared for him the past 13 years.