Ralph Hakel, 100, of Hutchinson passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson. Memorial Service was Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11 a.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
 Clergy Officiating: Reverend Allison Schwarz; Pianist: Paul Woolverton; Congregational Hymns: “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”, “Amazing Grace”, “How Great Thou Art”
 Ralph William Hakel was born on October 17, 1924, in Silver Lake. He was the son of William and Christine (Tupa) Hakel. Ralph was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Evangelical Church in Silver Lake. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School.
 Ralph entered active military service in the United States Marine Corps on June 19, 1943, and served his country in the Western Pacific Theater during World War II, which included the Battle of Saipan. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 9, 1946, and achieved the rank of Corporal.
 On December 22, 1951, Ralph was united in marriage to Ruth Drahos at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. They raised two children, Sharon and Steven. Ralph and Ruth made their home in Hutchinson. They shared 59 years of marriage until Ruth passed away on August 12, 2010.
 Ralph was employed as a lineman for Hutchinson Utilities for 18 years. He was also employed at 3M before starting his own milk delivery business, Oak Grove Milk Franchise. Ralph retired in 1989. He was a member of Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Ralph was also a member of Gopher Campfire.
 Ralph enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time at their cabin near Walker. He also enjoyed playing cards. Ralph and Ruth loved to travel and took many trips throughout the U.S. as well as Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Ralph especially cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren, and friends.
 Blessed be his memory.
 Ralph is survived by his children, Sharon Vorpahl and her husband Kenneth; son, Steven Hakel and his wife Sandra; grandchildren, Sara (David) Huckleberry, James (Susan) Vorpahl, Tina (Jim) Katter, Chad (Karen) Hakel, Marya Hakel, Jon Hakel, Ronald (Sandra) Quaintance, Joe Quaintance; great-grandchildren; nieces, Lee Bloemke, Lynn Lindholm; many other relatives and friends.
 Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, William and Christine Hakel; wife, Ruth Hakel; sister, Virginia (George) Lindholm.
 Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.