Alexander M. Haleta, 70, of rural Bruce, SD passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021, at his home under hospice care. Alexander Mykolavich Haleta was born Aug. 5, 1950. to Mykola and Marfa Haleta in Melbourne, Australia. His family was displaced after World War II and eventually was granted visas to the United Stated, settling in Lawrencevillem New Jersey and becoming naturalized citizens.
Al graduated from Lawrenceville High School and Mercer County Community College. He traveled to Brookings South Dakota, attending SDSU and graduated with a degree in Wildlife and Biological Sciences. While at SDSU he met Laurie Bock and they married on August 8, 1976. In 1977 they moved to an acreage in rural Bruce SD, where they live to this day.
The greatest joys of Al’s life arrived in 1980 and 1981 with the births of his two sons, Sasha and André. Al loved the great outdoors and he loved building things, becoming a general contractor. His passions included his family, the Green Bay Packers, fishing and hunting, gardening, tinkering and fixing anything and everything and lastly, Thanksgiving Dinner, the bigger the turkey, the better. He loved animals, especially his many dogs and pups through the years.
Al was particularly proud of his Ukrainian heritage. He was a generous man who simply liked to help people, whatever their needs.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie; his sons, Alexander (Sasha) Haleta II and André Haleta. He is also survived by his daughter, Sasha’s wife, Lindsay, his nephew, Michael Mykola Haleta, and his beloved Maltese, Miri, as well as a circle of close friends he considered family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Mykola Haleta Jr., brother-in law, Danial Bock, and his in laws, Clinton and Dorothy Bock.
Al was followed in death by his little Maltese, Wilson, who passed away eight hours after Al.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookings Avera Clinic, Brookings Health and Hospice and the staff at Skroch Funeral Home for their assistance and support.
In keeping with Al’s wishes, no services are planned.
