Obituary of Dennis E. Hacecky

Dennis E. Hacecky, age 62, of Utica, SD went to the Lord unexpectedly Sunday evening, March 23, 2014 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, March 28, 2014 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Ken Lulf officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Fellow bikers are asked to ride their motorcycle as honor guard on Friday in memory of Dennis. Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Thursday, March 27, 2014 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:00 PM followed by a Scripture service at 7:30 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, is assisting with service details. Dennis was born December 20th, 1951 to Alvin and Grace Hacecky. He was tucked perfectly between two older sisters and two younger sisters and spent his childhood on the farm surrounded by nature and animals he loved. He farmed until his death, a profession he shared with his father Alvin, wife Kris, and many family and friends. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1970. In his younger years, Dennis enjoyed demolition derby's and hunting excursions. He married the love of life, Kristy Gropper, on October 23, 1976 in Yankton. He often vacationed with family and friends and shared many hunting trips, poker runs, & motorcycle rides. He specifically looked forward to Sturgis every summer. He treasured his memories of every vacation he took; a getaway with Dennis was always a guaranteed good time. He was an avid hunter, remembered by many for his annual pheasant opener weekend celebration. His passion for Harley Davidsons and antique cars kept him busy. He never turned down a good ol' game of Czich and he enjoyed his weekly Texas Hold'em tournaments. His greatest attribute was his big heart. He was a generous and loving husband, father, and grandfather, showing a love that knew no end to countless family and friends. He was a member of ABATE, Knights of Columbus, and the Yankton Antique Car Club. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kris, of Utica, SD; his three children: Amanda Kirschenman and friend, Tim Hutton of Rapid City, SD, Justin Hacecky of Yankton, and Kerry Schmidt of Yankton; grandchildren, Kaci and Jace Kirschenman; step grandson, Logan Muhmel; sisters: Kayleen Rademacher and friend Gerald Johnson, Cindy (Harry) Atkinson, Patty (Scott) Madison, and Kristi Christofferson; sisters-in-law, Wendy (Randy) Linderman and Gill Anderson; brother-in-law, Mike (Carla) Gropper; many nieces and nephews and family close to his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Grace Hacecky and many loved ones.