Harvey––Richard Onni Hahka, age 69, of 240 Silver Creek Road, Harvey, entered eternal life Wednesday morning, January 9, 2008, at home, in the comforting care of his family and Lake Superior Hospice.
Dick was born June 6, 1938 in Negaunee, a son of Onni and Pearl (Ranta) Hahka, and was raised in Negaunee Township. A Negaunee High School graduate, class of 1956, Dick was later employed as a heavy equipment operator with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company at the Empire Mine. He retired December 31, 2001 after 27 years of service. Dick was a member of United Steelworkers Local 4950 as well as the Marquette Iron Range Retirees Club. He was also a retired member of the Chocolay Township Fire Department, where he was volunteer fireman for 26 years. From 1956 to 1965, he served with the Michigan Army National Guard. Dick enjoyed going to his cousins hunting camp, riding his four-wheeler and working puzzles.
Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years, the former Sharon Tripp, whom he married in June 28, 1958; the couple has three children, a son, Scott Hahka of Eden Prairie, MN; two daughters, Sheri (Glen) Nottle of Marquette and Staci Hahka of Marquette; four grandchildren, Adam and Cyle Hahka of Eden Prairie, MN, and Lauren and Chelsea Nottle of Marquette; his brother, Paul (Karen) Hahka of Grand Rapids; and two nieces, Deborah Sanchez of Garland, TX and Tammy Hahka of Grand Rapids. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by a nephew, Todd Hahka.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Saturday, January 12, beginning at 12:00 noon. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon with Rev. Chuck Tooman officiating. A reception will be held at the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lake Superior Hospice Association, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI