Rodney "Rod" Franklin Hakl was born June 28, 1937 in Geddes, South Dakota, on the homestead farm, to Franklin J. and Ethel H. (Johnson) Hakl. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed in June 1952 at Nathanael Lutheran Church where he was a lifetime member. Rodney and Ruby moved to the family farm in 1976, where he lived until his death. He died October 8, 2024 at the age of 87 years, three months, and 10 days.

Rod graduated from Newdale Country School with an 8th grade education. He met Ruby Nelson at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls, SD, where he loved to dance the polka. They were married on November 3, 1957 at St Jacob's Lutheran Church near Colton, SD.

Rod spent his life in the soil. He was a row crop farmer and dairy farmer until 1976. He continued farming while he worked at Alkota Manufacturing. In 1983, he retired from farming and drove semi-truck across the United States until he retired in 2008.

Rod loved to raise a large garden and tended the fruit trees on his farm. The best part of raising the produce was to be able to share with everyone who wanted fresh vegetables.

Rod instilled his work ethic in his five children in all aspects of life, teaching by example. He never asked anyone to do anything that he wouldn't do himself.

His family will remember that they were the most important part of his life; whether it was helping them with projects, canning for the winter or playing a fun game of cards. Rod kept busy chasing the grandchildren's activities, whether that be going to their games, concerts, birthday parties or holiday get-togethers.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his sister, Marlene (Paul) Voegeli.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruby Hakl; children, Randy (Ching) Hakl of Brandon, Karen (Jerry) Schmidt of Garretson, Todd (Brenda) Hakl of Alcester, Rhonda (Jeff) Iddings of Sioux Falls and Rachel (Patrick) Gunn of Cherokee, IA; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Craig (Kathy) Hakl of San Antonio, TX and Curtis (Margaret) Hakl of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

Funeral services will be 2PM Monday, October 14, 2024 at Nathanael Lutheran Church, 209 Dakota Street, Alcester, SD. Visitation will be 5-7PM Sunday at the church with a 7PM prayer service.