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  Diana Lynn Hackel (Ortler), fondly known as Dani, passed away after a brief illness on December 2, 2023, at the age of 64. She was born on June 15, 1959, in Minneapolis. Dani’s career spanned several decades, and she dedicated her talents to Brightspeed, formerly known as U.S. West, Quest, Century Link, and Lumen.

   Dani is survived by her significant other, Jerry Covington, her son Darrell Hackel, her daughter Randi Thomas, and her granddaughters Ellie and Sydney. She was a cherished sister to Dawn Tombisammy, Debra Skees, and Dale Ortler. Diana was also a beloved aunt to her nephews Jeremy and Joel Tombisammy, Nicholas, Nolan and Neal Skees, Brett Ortler, as well as her niece Emily Sevenz.

   Dani’s parents, Donald L. Ortler and Joan (Dolly) E. Ortler, preceded her in death. 

   Dani, a 1977 graduate of Coon Rapids High School, received a full ride scholarship to the University of Minnesota where she played on the D1 Women’s fast pitch team which took 3rd place in the 1978 College Softball World Series and the Big 10 Tournament Championship in 1981. Her Gopher teammates describe her as a selfless but fierce competitor that brought personality and the best laugh to the game. Her coach shared that “she played in maroon with a heart of gold.”

   Dani recently relocated from Coon Rapids to Backus to share her love of “up north” with her beloved Jerry and dog, Nash. She quickly became part of the fabric of the community and served on the Auxiliary for the Backus American Legion, Post 368.  She will be greatly missed by her many friends in Backus and Hackensack and toasted with her infamous “Dani-Rita”.

   Dani’s life will be celebrated in Backus later in the spring with a date to be determined.

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