Mary E Hakanson

November 23, 1950 - January 18, 2020

Mary E. Hakanson, 69, of Kearney, died Saturday, January 18, 2020 at her home. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Arrangements are under the direction of Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney. Mary Elaine (Dillman) Hakanson was born in Riverton, Wyoming on November 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, NE. She attended school in Ong and Shickley. Mary was wed to Steve Hakanson in Edgar, NE, and they made their home in Kearney. To their union were born Steve Jr, Theodore and Rebecca. 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 gifted 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, MO, her beloved dog Mollie, and her large family: Sisters Tereca Diffenderfer of Lincoln, Merle Anne (Edwin) of Grand Island, Connie (Doug) Washburn of San Jose, CA, and her 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, CO, Skip Hakanson of Winston Salem, NC, Cathy (Art) Paus of Ocala, FL, Randy (Sally) Hakanson of St Louis, MO, 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.