William Thomas "Bill" Hackett

William "Bill" Thomas Hackett, age 68, passed away on November 12, 2025, in Brookings, SD, surrounded by family who loved him dearly. Born on May 24, 1957, in Watertown, South Dakota, Bill was the son of William A. and Mary (Schumacher) Hackett. He married Connie (Grayson) on August 6, 1983, and together they shared a devoted partnership built on humor, faith, and unconditional love.

Bill lived a life marked by resilience and-though not always-quiet strength. After battling cancer for more than a decade, he continued to show the determination and grit that everyone admired. Following a fall last week and resulting complications, he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.

Bill had a deep love for friends, fishing, dirt track racing, the outdoors, SDSU athletics, daily drives around town, MN Wild hockey, bowling, and "shooting the shit." He also had a unique gift for knowing somebody everywhere he went. Whether it was Hy-Vee, a gas station on the interstate, or even the airport on a family vacation, Bill always ran into someone he knew-and he'd greet them like no time had passed at all.

He had a sharp, playful sense of humor, too. To all the past boyfriends of his daughters-or their friends-he'd like to formally apologize for the many jokes and threats involving broken kneecaps. And to his girls, he'd surely want to give one last reminder to "pull the lead out" and hurry up, delivered with that unmistakable mix of impatience and love that only he could pull off.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, bold spirit, stubborn streak, and generosity, and for the way he made others feel valued without needing to say many words.

Miss Me. But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little-but not too long and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me-but let me go.
For this is a journey that we must take and each must go alone,
It's all part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know,
and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
Miss me-but let me go.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; his second-love, his dog Zoe; daughters Kristen (Josh) Stricherz and Karissa (Doug) Kopecky; grandchildren Madyson and Kennady Stricherz, and Dylan and Shealynn Kopecky, who he loved dearly; sisters Mary Brown and Jane (Bob) Payne; along with extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at First Lutheran Church (Touchdown Jesus) in Brookings, South Dakota.

Following the service, refreshments and a time for sharing stories and memories of Bill will take place in the church's gathering hall.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the love, prayer, and support received throughout these past few days. And to quote Bill himself, "I'll rest when I'm dead." We are at peace knowing you are finally getting some rest.