Daniel "Dan" Peter Hacking

Daniel “Dan” Peter Hacking, age 80, of Wadena, MN, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Lakewood Care Center in Staples, Minnesota, with his family by his side. Dan had moved to Lakewood Care Center on March 13, 2026, where he received compassionate care in his final days.

In keeping with Dan and Judy’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena. Services will begin at 11:00 A.M., with a visitation taking place from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the funeral home.

Daniel Peter Hacking was born on December 30, 1945, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Alvin and Margareta (Shields) Hacking. Dan grew up in a creative and close-knit family. His mother was a painter who captured scenic landscapes of the East Coast, and his brothers were skilled woodworkers. Dan followed in their footsteps, developing a lifelong passion for working with his hands.

His early years were spent in New Bedford, where his parents managed a lighthouse. Lighthouses remained a steady love throughout Dan’s life. He often described his childhood as being like “Huckleberry Finn on the ocean,” reflecting his deep connection to the sea and sense of adventure. Following the loss of his brothers, Raymond and Walter, the family later moved to Tennessee to be closer to his sister Edith.

Dan graduated with the Class of 1965 from Morse High School in Bath, Maine. He went on to attend Tennessee Technological College in Cookeville, Tennessee, graduating in 1969. Continuing his education, Dan completed graduate work in special education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Answering a call to ministry, he later earned his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 1985.

Dan dedicated his life to both education and ministry. He taught in Harriman, Tennessee; Little Falls, Wadena, Williams, and Thief River Falls, Minnesota; and Sand Point, Alaska. He also faithfully served as a pastor in Pitt, Minnesota; Colfax and Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin; and Windom, Minnesota.

On October 12, 1974, Dan was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Mae Erickson in Spicer, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, and were blessed with three children: Paul, Sara, and Naomi.

Dan found great joy in his creative work and hobbies. He was a gifted woodworker and blacksmith who especially loved forging knives and crafting fireplace sets. He had a natural ability to fix just about anything. Known as a master “Jerry-rigger,” he was always finding clever ways to make things work, often helping Judy adapt equipment for her physical therapy sessions.

Dan was also a fantastic cook and baker, known for his tremendous apple pie, which was a favorite among family and friends. Whether in the workshop or the kitchen, he took pride in creating things that brought others comfort and joy.

Faith, family, and ministry were the cornerstones of Dan’s life. He carried on his family’s legacy of craftsmanship with pride. He deeply loved his grandchildren and granddogs, and he delighted in spoiling them with extra candy whenever he could.

Deeply loved, Dan’s passing will be mourned by his wife of 51 years, Judy; his children, Paul (Joanna) Hacking of Kalisz, Poland, Sara (Brent) Backstrom of Papillion, Nebraska, and Naomi (Jason) Van Batavia of Wadena, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Greta, Joseph, and Henry Van Batavia, and Andrew and Stella Backstrom; brothers-in-law, Harold Erickson of Wadena, Minnesota, and Charles Stringer of Melbourne, Florida; along with many extended family members and friends.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Margareta; his brothers, Raymond and Walter; and his sister, Edith Stringer.

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