John Alexander Hakala

John A. Hakala, 84, a lifelong resident of Keene, passed away on October 7, 2025, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, NH. Born on September 25, 1941, he was the son of the late Armas and Anne (Larson) Hakala.

John graduated from Keene High School with the class of 1959. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire before proudly serving his country. In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 540th Engineer Group in Kornwestheim, Germany where he attained the rank of Specialist E-5.

After his honorable discharge in 1966, John returned home and began working for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Keene. He first serviced accounts at the ski areas of southern Vermont and later worked with commercial businesses and factories throughout Cheshire County. For many years, he was a friendly and familiar face servicing the vending machines at Keene State College. John concluded his career at Monadnock Vending, pleased to have had a job that suited him so well. He often said, “I get to travel, meet different people, and enjoy what I’m doing. How good is that?”

In his youth, John was an avid sports enthusiast, participating in most sports. As he grew older, he remained a devoted fan, always supporting his favorite teams. Another one of John’s hobbies was gardening. Those who knew John will remember him as a quiet, caring, and fun-loving person who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a proud life member of the Keene Lodge of Elks #927, the American Legion Post #4, and the Italian Club.

He is survived by his son Mark Hakala and his wife Lauren, his daughter Katherine Fowler and her husband Geoffrey, and his daughter Karin Welch and her husband Stephen; his grandchildren Jennifer Lehrman, Keith Lehrman and his wife Talia, and Jared Hakala and his wife Ava; his great-grand daughter Ada Lehrman; and his sister Anne Olean and niece Heidi Welnak.

John will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Calling hours will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. A memorial service will be at 10:00am on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in the family lot at Monadnock View Cemetery, 499 Park Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made out to local organizations, the Keene Elks 927 Lodge Scholarship Fund, PO Box 388 Keene, NH. 03431., or the Ruck-Up Inc. “The survivors are the mission” for veteran support, 105 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com .