Marcene M. Hakl, 94 of Wagner and formerly of Avon

Mass will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 12013 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Marty, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner from 2 to 5 Monday, followed by a 7 p.m. rosary/wake service at the church.

Marcene Marilyn (Nelson) Hakl was born on November 27, 1918, to Hans L. and Jessie B (Pyper) Nelson on a farm east of Avon. She died peacefully Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the Wagner Good Samaritan Society in Wagner, SD, surrounded by her family at the age of 94 years, nine months and 10 days.

Marcene attended Stekman Country School and completed the eighth grade. In her day, riding horse or walking was how one got to school. She often talked about her two broken shoulders she got in one year falling from a horse.

As a young woman, Marcene helped family members and neighborhood families who had new babies or needed an extra hand with daily jobs. She worked in the Cafe in Avon, where she met her husband Rudolph (Rudy) Hakl. Marcene refused his offer for a first date and all week regretted her decision, wishing he would ask her again. He did and they were married on September 22, 1954 at the Presbyterian Church in Tyndall, SD. Two children, Norma Jean and Robert, were born to their union. They farmed by Tyndall and then moved to a farm north of Avon and later to a farm south of Avon. Rudy passed away on February 4, 1972. Marcene was left a single Mom and once again returned to work at a cafe in Avon. She was a beloved babysitter for several families until she retired.

Marcene lived through many changes in this country. As the seventh child of a family of eight, they knew what hard times were. World War I, The Great Depression and World War II and all the other change that took place in the world during her 94 years of life, was something she lived, not just read about in a history book. All of these events strengthened her family bond and despite what was going on, she as a young woman, had many happy memories of the good times of card games, house dances, sleigh rides and Model T rides at night with hot rocks at her feet to stay warm to visit the neighbors. As her family scattered to different states and would return home to visit, many happy family gatherings took place. This bond is evident to the generations that follow as family gatherings continue.

Marcene shared many happy times with family and friends playing cards, a board game or simply coffee and visiting in the afternoon. Marcene could always be found cooking and baking. She enjoyed reading and trying new recipes, hosting family gatherings at her house gardening, growing houseplants and scouring ditches for asparagus.

"Granny Hak's" joy in life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always asked if they could stay longer and was quick to tell them to come back whenever they could. She will be remembered by them for her care packages whenever they traveled somewhere and the touch of her hand when making conversation. The kids always enjoyed her candy drawer and this tradition continued during her years at the nursing home to include offers of treats to staff and all visitors. She will also be remembered for her quick wit and come-back lines.

Marcene lived independently in her home till the age of 90 and then became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner on January 12, 2009, where she resided until her death.

Marcene was baptized and confirmed on November 30, 2008 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Marty, SD by Fr. David Tickerhoof a few days after her 90th birthday. Fr. Richard Baumberger gave her First Holy Communion on September 26th, while in the hospital.

Grateful for having shared her life are Norma Jean (Mike) Beeson, Dante and Robert (Lois) Hakl, Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: Rhonda (Jeff) Kuhlman, Ryan (Brittany) Beeson, Ross (Fiance Jen Kuhlman) Beeson, Robbie, Grady and Elizabeth Hakl; seven great grandchildren: Mya, Bain, Kalea, Bennett, Briggs and Nariah Kuhlman and Landon Hakl; one brother Lowell (Mary) Nelson of Tyndall; and many nieces and nephews.

Marcene was preceded in death by her husband, parents; one grandchild; one great granddaughter, Immaculee Michelle Kuhlman; her siblings: Vera Uherka, Bernie, Virgil, Dale, Clayton and Woodow Nelson; and her sisters-in-law: Alma, Marie, Mildred and Tres Nelson; and brother-in-law, Emil Uherka.