Dr. Joseph Matthew Hakala

Dr. Joe Hakala, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and longtime community dentist, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at the age of 94. A man of quiet strength, deep faith, and enduring kindness, Joe left a legacy of compassion and service that continues to shape the lives he touched.

Born in Denver on January 16, 1931, to Helen (Deuser) and Paul Hakala, Joe was the youngest of three children. He attended Regis High School and College before earning his DDS from St. Louis University, where he met the love of his life, Jane McNamee. After graduating, Joe served two years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Denver to begin his private dental practice in 1962.

As the founder of Hakala Family Dentistry, Joe built more than a practice—he built a place of trust and care for generations of patients. He treated every patient with dignity and respect, many of whom returned year after year not just for his care, but for his genuine warmth. In 1989, his eldest daughter Kate joined the practice, helping carry on the values he built it upon. Joe retired in 2015 after 55 years of dedicated service.

Joe was a man of deep Catholic faith, which guided every aspect of his life—from his professional integrity to his volunteer work throughout the community. Whether offering free care to those in need or donating his time to local programs, he lived by the principle of service.

At home, Joe was a loving husband to his cherished wife, Jane, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Together they raised seven children and were blessed with six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sons Bernard and Paul, and is survived by daughters Kate (Dirk Turner), Mimi (Mac Blevins), Patty (Tim Threlkeld), and sons Chuck (Katy Ricketts) and Jim. He is also survived by grandchildren Colin and Maura Turner, Alice and George Hakala, and Helen and Joe Threlkeld.

In his spare time, Joe found joy in woodworking—especially in carving birds by hand, a skill he honed with care and patience. Hummingbirds, his favorite, became a lasting symbol of his gentle spirit. That same symbol now graces the logo of Hakala Family Dentistry, which lives on under the dedicated leadership of his daughter Kate.

Joe's legacy is not only etched in wood or in the smiles of the thousands he cared for, but in the values he passed on to his family and his community: faith and kindness.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 27th, at Mother of God Church. All who knew Joe are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to so many.