Dr. Daniel Hacking

Daniel Mark Hacking was born October 25, 1950 in Sioux Falls, SD to Richard and Joyce (Boyd) Hacking. He was hospitalized on October 4 with an acute stroke. Dan peacefully passed away on October 27, 2018 at Dougherty Hospice House two days after his 68th birthday.

He attended Lowell Public and St. Joseph Cathedral school in Sioux Falls. His first Communion was May 10, 1958 at St. Joseph Cathedral. He graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1968, where he was a member of National Honor Society. He spent his teen summers working for the Sioux Falls Packers, which enhanced his love of baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins.

Dan completed his undergraduate degree at Augustana College, where he was active in the theatrical department.

Following basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in1970, Dan joined his father and brother in the SD Air Guard. In 1977 he attended officer candidates school and was awarded the Ltc John J Steele award for SD Outstanding Lieutenant of the year 79-80. He also served as President of the SD Air National Guard Association for 81-82. Dan was instrumental in planning the 1986 air show. He also edited the “History of the Guard 50th Anniversary”  book for which he received a Meritorious Service Award. Dan cherished his many experiences and lifelong friends he made in the guard. He was Honorably Discharged as a Major in 1988.

Dan married Kathy (Krehbiel) Mehlhaf on September 3,1983. They just celebrated 35 years of marriage with a trip to the Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon. Dan became a loving father and mentor to Karman, adopting her in 1994. Dan loved the Krehbiel family, especially holidays at the homestead family farm. Dan and Kathy enjoyed many evenings golfing and were able to travel together for both business and pleasure. Family trips to Florida were especially memorable. Dan was a music buff and enjoyed all types of music. Dan was a faithful member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for the last 15 years.

Education was Dan’s passion. He received his Master’s Degree in Communication from USD where he was named 1992 Outstanding Graduate Student in the Mass Communication Department. He completed his Doctor of Education in 2004. Dan was involved in teaching, advising and training throughout his career either at USD, Avera, or National American University. He completed his career accrediting schools for the North Central Accreditation Association and retired due to poor health in 2012.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy, daughter Karman (Cameron) Vanden Burg, Brother-in law Randy (Cindy) Krehbiel, their children Keri (Dale) Flint,  Rapid City, SD, Tyler Krehbiel, New Ulm, MN and Cole Krehbiel, nephew Scott Hacking and Sister-in-law Faye Krehbiel.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Hacking, Jr. (2003); In-laws Ray and Lillian Krehbiel, and brother-in law Kraig Krehbiel (2015).

 
Visitation will take place at Heritage Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018. A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers Dan’s family requests memorial gifts to St. Francis House Building Fund, 1301 E. Austin St. Sioux Falls, SD 57103.