Mary E. Hakanson

Mary E. Hakanson, 69, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at her home. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Mary Elaine (Dillman) Hakanson was born in Riverton, Wyo., on Nov. 23, 1950, to Merle Clayton and Lora Lillian Davis Dillman. In addition to Wyoming, she spent her younger years in Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan until the family settled in Ong, Neb. She attended school in Ong and Shickley. Mary was wed to Steve Hakanson in Edgar, and they made their home in Kearney. To their union, Steve Jr., Theodore and Rebecca were born. Mary worked for West Pharmaceuticals for more than 40 years. During that time, she was very active in the union. She helped organize and recruit for the union on a local, regional and national level. She held many different offices and board seats during that time. Mary was also proud of her involvement in the Democratic Party, where she held board seats as well. She would proudly tell anyone about the times she worked on presidential, senatorial, and gubernatorial campaigns. She formed lasting relationships working on the political front. Mary eagerly organized family events and always had gifts for the children. She enjoyed traveling, making new friends, spending time with her large extended family and spoiling her beloved dog Mollie, who brought her great joy. She was always eager to reminisce; her stories were humorously embellished and never-ending. Known for her cooking and baking expertise, Mary collected and shared recipes and often presented gifts of baking supplies. She was the baking lady for work, charities, church and family for decades, generously serving up joy to friends and family. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Becky and fiancé Tony Windsor of St. Louis; her beloved dog, Mollie; and her large family: sisters, Tereca Diffenderfer of Lincoln, Merle Anne (Edwin) of Grand Island and Connie (Doug) Washburn of San Jose, Calif.; and brothers, Clyde (Ranee) Dillman of Hastings, Dale (Mary) Dillman of Kearney and Mark (Deb) Dillman of Aurora, Mo. Her in-laws include Vicki (Roger) Abel of Castle Rock, Colo., Skip Hakanson of Winston- Salem, N.C., Cathy (Art) Paus of Ocala, Fla., Randy (Sally) Hakanson of St. Louis and Sue Hakanson of Lincoln; and 76 nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her mother, father and beloved sons, Steve and Teddy.

Mary E. Hakanson

November 23, 1950 - January 18, 2020