Sharon Lois Hakala

Sharon Lois Hakala, age 81, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at Essentia Health–Northern Pines Hospital in Aurora, Minnesota, surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was born on May 26, 1944, to James and Margaret (Olson) Eddy and was raised on the family farm in Greaney, Minnesota, along the Little Fork River. As the only daughter among four children, Sharon shared a special bond with her father, who was both her hero and biggest supporter. She attended school in Orr and graduated from Orr High School in 1962.

Sharon met the love of her life, Jack Hakala, in Virginia, Minnesota, through mutual friends. Jack was captivated by her petite beauty, kind heart, and lively spirit from the very beginning. They were married on May 15, 1965, and together created a lasting home in Markham, Minnesota, rooted in faith, hard work, laughter, and devotion to family as they raised their four children.

A devoted wife and exceptional mother, Sharon dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family. In the early years of marriage, she worked side by side with Jack on the Hakala farm. Sharon was never afraid of hard work, and it was common to find her carrying fence posts, stacking hay bales, or helping move cattle from pasture to pasture. She later managed administrative duties for the family business, Hakala Sand and Gravel, bringing the same dedication and dependability to her work that she brought to every aspect of her life.

Sharon was also a talented seamstress who lovingly made clothes for her children when they were young. Her creativity and skill could be seen throughout her home in the many items she sewed over the years, including curtains, blankets, bedspreads, bags, and countless other handmade pieces that reflected her care and attention to detail.

An avid gardener who also loved landscaping, Sharon transformed her yard into a place overflowing with flowers, color, and beauty. She also took great pride in her large vegetable garden, which consistently produced an abundant harvest for the family. During the last several months of her life, she often longed to be on her hands and knees digging in her gardens or making changes to her landscaping. Each year there was always something new or a little different than the year before. She had an eye for beauty and a creative touch that created a welcoming place to call home.

Sharon loved being outdoors and enjoyed riding her four-wheeler. She especially loved time at the family cabin fishing, boating, watching others enjoy water sports on Markham Lake, and gathering around a good bonfire. Like everything else she did in life, she could never sit still for long. She was often the one hauling the biggest and heaviest pieces of wood to the fire, never wanting the flames to fade too soon. The Fourth of July at Markham Lake was always one of her favorite holidays as family and friends gathered together to celebrate. Travel and adventure also brought Sharon great joy. Whether parasailing high above the ocean on a Florida vacation or taking in breathtaking views during a peaceful hot air balloon ride near Stillwater, she appreciated the excitement and beauty of seeing the world from a different perspective.

A competitive side often shined through during card games. Some of Sharon’s favorites were Schmier, Rummy 500, and Skip-Bo. Sharon usually won, and if she didn’t, you were often playing best out of three. She also regularly played bridge with a group of friends.

Sharon will be remembered for her deep love of family, unwavering faith, and spunky spirit. She was a natural jokester who loved teasing others and keeping everyone laughing with her quick wit and silly sense of humor. Beneath her playful nature was a fiercely loyal and caring woman who was always there when someone needed help. She was a strong supporter of her family and friends, always willing to lend a hand in any way she could.

Faith and service were cornerstones of Sharon’s life. She was deeply involved in the Palo Congregational Church community, where she taught Sunday school, faithfully served in the women’s group by helping clean the church and organizing funeral lunches and services, and participated in the prayer chain, always offering comfort, support, and prayers to those in need.

Sharon is survived by her devoted husband, Jackie “Jack” Hakala, brothers, Sanford “Sandy” Eddy and Clyde (Lois) Eddy; her children, Susan (Keith) Gliva, Traci Ceglar, Joe Ceglar, Erick Hakala, and Rhonda (Jason) St. George; her eight grandchildren, Emily (Brian) Elg, Taylor Gliva, Abby (Edward) Anderson, Kyle Gliva (Cassie Stevens), Jacob Gliva, Jack St. George, Joseph St. George and Kaia Hakala; three great-grandchildren, Emmett Elg, Wesley Anderson and Wyatt Anderson; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Margaret Eddy; her brother, Clark Eddy; and her sisters-in-law, Deborah Safyre and Karen Eddy.

Sharon’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, laughter, faith, strength, and loving spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services for Sharon will be held on Monday, May 18th, at Palo Congregational Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Markham Cemetery, and a luncheon will be served afterward at the Colvin Town Hall in Markham.