Vernon “Boot” James Hakala

Vernon “Boot” James Hakala, 57, of Rhinelander, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 after battling cancer. He was born January 7,1967, in Tomahawk, the son of Philip and Janice (Schweke) Hakala. He attended Prentice High School graduating in 1985.

 After graduating high school Vernon joined the U.S. Nav,y serving from 1985-1990. He spent two years stationed in Japan on the USS Blueridge (LCC-19) and two years in Brememerton Washington on the USS Sacramento. (AOE-1) 

After his honorable discharge he lived in Washington State before returning home to Wisconsin in 1994. Vernon married the love of his life Becky Lontcoski on June 13, 2020 on Somo Lake in Tomahawk.

Vernon was employed at Phillips Plastics for 19 years until 2016 when he moved to Rhinelander with his family where he was employed at Charter Next Generation until the time of his illness. Vernon enjoyed camping on Somo Lake, sports, bowling, trips to the casino and spending time with his family and friends. 

Vernon is survived by his wife, Becky Hakala of Rhinelander; his two daughters, Megan and Zoe Hakala of Phillips; son, Dominic Hakala of Rhinelander; and his dog, Chewie. He is also survived by his brother, Brian (Dani) Hakala of Tomahawk; Keith (Mary) Hakala of Tomahawk; sister, Lynn Hakala of Parker, Colorado; brother-in-law, David (Heather) Lontcoski of Phillips; sister-in-law, Jody (Brandon) Kozak of Phillips and mother-in-law, Linda (Pete) Linden of Phillips. He is also survived by 4 nieces and 8 nephews and his Nick’s Hodag Lanes bowling family. 

Vernon is preceeded in death by his parents, sister, Lori (Kenny) Laaksonen, his grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and his father-in-law, Chuck (Diane) Lontcoski.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home, Tomahawk from 4 to 7 p.m.  and again, on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to time of service at 11 a.m.  Services will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dennis and Wendy Mennering officiating.  Burial will take place at Somo Cemetery in Tripoli with military honors. Following burial, there will be a celebration of life held at Nick’s Hodag Lanes in Rhinelander.  

Per Boots request please wear your favorite sports jersey or comfortable clothes.

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com.