W. Albert Hakala
East Lansing, Michigan
May 15, 1925 – January 5, 2025
Al was born in Marquette, Michigan, the youngest of three children of Hilma and Vaino Hakala, who had emigrated to Michigan from Finland.
Immediately following graduation from John D. Pierce High School in Marquette in 1943, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served a two- and one-half-year tour in the South Pacific, including New Guinea and the Philippines. In 1945, he returned to Marquette to enroll in Northern Michigan College of Education (now Northern Michigan University) where he studied education, graduating in 1949. What followed was a life-long career in public education, teaching in high school and elementary school, and eventually college, from which he retired in 1984.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Oliver) and his sister (Elvi), and Bob Walker, his partner for 52 years, who died in 2001. Al is survived by several nieces and nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews, many friends in the Lansing area, Saugatuck/Douglas, other parts of the Midwest, and Florida, and his special friend, Hugo Caceres, of Lima, Peru.
Plans are pending for a gathering in the Lansing area in his honor, likely to be in May 2025 in celebration of what would be his 100th birthday.
Donations in memory of Al may be made to the W. Albert Hakala Scholarship Fund at Northern Michigan University. (under Designation, choose “other” and type in the scholarship name). Checks may also be made to “The NMU Foundation” and mailed to 607 Cohodas Hall, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855. Add “Hakala Scholarship” to the memo line.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
8 Messages to “W. Albert Hakala”
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Nancy Abramson
January 7, 2025 at 9:57 amHaving had Al Hakala as a friend these past nine years has been a true privilege.
Jeffrey Venn
January 12, 2025 at 9:34 amAl has been a true friend for 40 years or more. He and Bob Walker set the bar high for so many of their friends. Shining example for us to follow.
A very intuitive man, he knew just the right question to spur the conversation and explore the happenings in our lives.
Nancy Abramson has been an angel to Al taking him to appointments, doing his laundry and a frequent visitor for many years. Thank you.
Al was loved and respected by so many in the LGBTQ
Community.
I miss you Al
Michael Beebe
January 12, 2025 at 10:55 amRest in peace Al after a remarkable 99 years of life well lived.
Michael Beebe and Gary Troia
Leonard Hebert
January 12, 2025 at 11:00 amI met Al and his partner, Bob. about 30 years ago and he’s been a true friend and mentor to me ever since. He was a traveling companion with me on at least 3 occasions since my own partner passed away in 2013. We’ve shared many laughs and glasses of wine over the years and we’ve cried on each other’s shoulders in times of sorrow. Al was blessed with the ability to listen to others with caring and empathy and always had the right words of comfort to ease one’s mind. Like so many who knew him, I was blessed to have called Al Hakala a friend. I only hope that I was able to return to him a small portion of the kindness he has shown me over these past 30 years.
You will be missed by so many but I’m happy that you are once again in the arms of your beloved Bob.
Andrew McKnight
January 13, 2025 at 2:06 pmRemembering Al (Bob, too) with warm memories, much joy and laughter.
Juli Warstler D’Aloia
January 15, 2025 at 8:49 pmWhat a life he lived. I’m fortunate to have called Al a very special friend for 40 years. He and Bob had a front row seat to watch me grow during my teenage years, leave for college, move to Florida, get married, have kids, and live life. We had a special bond and friendship! He’s deeply missed but have comfort he lived an incredible life and now reunited with Bob. I love you – you were always there for me & felt your deep love for me and my family! You were there right until the end!
Greg Pruitt
January 21, 2025 at 4:16 pmThank you for your support and encouragement. You were a good friend.
Sandy Weis
January 22, 2025 at 9:57 amMy Uncle Bob and Al met right around the time I was born, 78 years ago, so “Uncle Al” has been in my life my whole life. After Bob died, Al’s and my relationship grew stronger into an adult friendship, sharing family memories and stories, and maintaining a lifetime of importance in our lives. Even though we didn’t get to see each other often because of distance, we kept in touch with long phone talks and letters. I will miss him and will always keep him in my heart.
Sandy Weis
Sun City, AZ