Donald G. Hakeman, 93, Sanborn

A funeral service for Donald G. Hakeman was held Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sanborn. Pastor Joseph Bangert officiated.

Pallbearers were Joshua Holz, Andrew Suckow, Adam Mercer, Jerret Vander Plaats, Cody Holz and Austin Holz. Honorary pallbearers were Stacey Eeten, Amy Suckow, Sarah Brands, Elizabeth Vogelaar, Brandi Wright, Christina Van Gorp, Alissa Holland, Katie Lammers, Kimberly Silberstein, Samantha Mercer and Emily Crees. Interment was in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn, with military rites conducted by Sanborn American Legion, Earl T. Conaway Post #318. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Donald Gene “Don” Hakeman was born in Sanborn on May 10, 1929, one of five sons of Cornyle G. and Esther (Brinkert) Hakeman. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sanborn. He spent his youth in the Sanborn area and received his education at the Sanborn Public School, graduating with the Class of 1947.

During his school years, Don had been an active member of the Summit Township 4-H Club. He garnered many blue ribbons showing dairy Guernsey livestock at fairs in the area. His cow “Patty” captured the coveted grand champion prize at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, a treasured moment he remembered his whole life.

After graduation, Don helped his father on their farm until enlisting in the United States Air Force in October of 1948 with the assurance he would become an aircraft mechanic. He served his country for nearly four years during the Korean Conflict, two of those years being stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on Dec. 17, 1951, and returned to Sanborn to resume working with his dad on the family farm.

Marna Jean Van Oort had been teaching school in Sanborn when she had Thomas Hakeman as a kindergarten student. It was through his younger brother that Don would be introduced to her. Don and Marna were united in marriage on July 28, 1953, in Orange City. Their family would eventually include five daughters: Rebecca, Carol, Kristin, Stephanie and Allison.

Don and Marna moved to Rochester, Minn. in the fall of 1957, where Don was employed as an aircraft mechanic at Gopher Aviation. They moved to Stewartville, Minn. for a short time before relocating to Sanborn in 1963 when Don began farming with his father. After he retired from agriculture, Don spent the next seven years as a welder for Maintainer at Sheldon. Always a farmer at heart, Don found great satisfaction in “growing things.” He had always been an avid gardener (especially roses), so when he left Maintainer he began working at Natural Beauty in Boyden.

Don had been a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving as council president and elder for many years. He had also belonged to the Lutheran Layman’s League through the church, Iowa Farm Bureau, as well as the American Legion Post 318 in Sanborn. Relaxing meant game night at church or a rousing hand of cards. He enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos and going to Florida Panthers hockey games with Kris.

Don moved to a new life in Christ on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at the age of 93. He is once again reunited with his beloved wife, Marna; his parents; brothers: Gerald and Robert Hakeman; son-in-law, William “Mickey” McLaughlin; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Annette Van Oort; brothers and sisters-in-law: Ruth (Luke) Luymes, Albert “Bruzz” (Shirley) Van Oort and Jay (Charlene) Van Oort.

Keeping his memory close at heart are his daughters: Rebecca (Jim) Suckow and Carol (Jack) Elgersma, of Sanborn; Kristin Hakeman, of Coral Springs, Fla.; Stephanie (Jerry) Vander Plaats, of Sheldon; and Allison (Rod) Mercer, of Spirit Lake; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brothers: William (Ande) Hakeman, of Lafayette, La.; and Thomas (Candy) Hakeman, of Boerne, Texas; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.