Joe J. Hakes

Joe J. Hakes, age 88, of Chippewa Falls, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on May 5, 1937, in the Town of Anson, to Irvine and Elsie (Black) Hakes. On June 22, 1957, Joe married Arlene E. Kressin. In his younger years, he worked at Zutter’s Feed Mill and later worked at Uniroyal Tire Company in Eau Claire for 24 years. After Joe’s retirement, he and Arlene owned and operated Zwickey’z Pheasant Farm for 33 years. He was a long-time member of Pheasants Forever and hosted many hunting events. Those customers were not only friends, they became like family.

Joe was a man who truly appreciate the simple way of life - a calm morning on the Canadian waters, hunting in the great outdoors or just sitting around the campfire, Joe was happy. But his greatest love was for his family, he was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his children: Monica (Tom) Kloss of Eau Claire, Charles (Sue) Hakes of Bloomer, David Hakes of Chippewa Falls, Dean (Susan) Hakes of Chippewa Falls and Lee (Holly) Hakes of Chippewa Falls; 10 grandchildren: Mike Kloss, Mitch Kloss, Travis Hakes, Levi Eckwright, LaRaye Eckwright, LeTessa Hakes, Emily Hakes, Taylor (Mary) Hakes, Iris Hakes and Ava Hakes; 6 great-grandchildren: Adison Eckwright, Quinton Eckwright, Braylon Eckwright, Porter Hakes, Dominiqe Sly and Nevaeh Sly; and numerous other family relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Arlene Hakes; parents: Irvine and Elsie Hakes; sister: Marjorie Hakes; and brother: Lawrence Hakes.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, at the church. Burial will be held in the Tilden Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Chippewa County Humane Society or the Chippewa County Sherrif’s Office K9 Fund.