Richard A. "Dick" Haack

Richard Haack was the sort of man whom everyone seemed to know as he was a vivacious man whose outgoing and friendly demeanor naturally drew others to himself. He was a man of great character and sound moral convictions who believed in wholeheartedly applying himself to whatever task was at hand. Dick could always make us laugh with his jokes and seemed to have one appropriate for any and every occasion, too. He lived a life of service to his country and his community and was continually ready to lend a helping hand in ways both great and small. A devoted family man, loyal friend, and man of faith, Dick will be deeply missed while the brilliant tapestry of memories he leaves behind is forever cherished.

Life in America during the 1930s brought us some of the most challenging days we have ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. The unemployment rate topped 25 percent, which left countless Americans without jobs and later led to families losing their homes in record numbers. Despite the hardship around them a young couple from the DeForest, Wisconsin area had much to celebrate on January 15, 1934, when they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. Baby Richard was the oldest of twelve children born to his parents, Arnold and Theresa (Schilt) Haack, and was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Theresa, Nancy, Albert, Howard, Elmer, Donna, Anna, Sharon, Arlene, Dennis, and Frank. He attended Pumpkin Hollow School in Token Creek where he was well liked by his fellow classmates. As a high school student at DeForest High School Dick played football, basketball, and baseball, and he also ran track. He was class president, was crowned king at his junior prom and contributed to the school newspaper and yearbook. Dick also worked on farms belonging to both his parents and his uncle as a young man.

After graduating from high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1953 and continuing through much of 1957. A talented athlete, Dick played basketball against the Boston Celtics while stationed in Japan.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Dick’s blossoming relationship with the young woman with whom he shared the best years of his life. Her name was Lucille Engeseth, and they met on a double date with Dick’s best friend in high school. With a desire to build a life together the couple was married on February 4, 1956, at Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church. Together Dick and Lucille were blessed with two sons, Bruce and Bryan, daughter, Cindy, two daughters-in-law, Debbie and Peggy, three grandchildren, Monica, Corey and Christopher, and three great grandchildren, Hayden, Hudson and Riley.

Throughout his life there was nothing that was of greater importance to Dick than the people he loved. As a young man he had a special relationship with his Uncle Ed Haack, and he even lived with his uncle and his bustling clan of 10 children for a time while helping on his farm as well. Dick was also very close to his mother-in-law, Amelia Engeseth, through the years. Annual summer vacations were spent with family at fishing resorts in Northern Wisconsin. He also enjoyed several trips with his wife during his retirement years including to Switzerland and Alaska.

Another vital part of Dick’s life was the career he loved. He worked as a volunteer firefighter for the DeForest Fire Department from 1958 until 1962, but his career truly became his passion when he began working for the Madison Fire Department on January 27, 1963. While there he served in a few different capacities including as a chief’s aid, officially retiring as a lieutenant on January 27, 1989. Dick’s love for his work encompassed other organizations as well as he was very actively involved and held offices in the Firefighter’s Local #311. He was also a founding member of the Retired Professional Firefighters of the State of Wisconsin (RPFFW).

One of the things that made Dick such an extraordinary man was his strong faith and life of service to others. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church of Madison and most recently of Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest. As someone who was a true handyman and always willing to help those around him, Dick could be counted on to help with maintenance projects when he could. Through the years Dick also generously gave to others through his blood donations with the American Red Cross. He had a great memory when it came to remembering the names of others and important dates because he was a man who genuinely cared about people and the things that were significant in their lives.

With his down time, Dick enjoyed pursuing his interests. He was proud to be a founding member of the Squirrel Lake Musky Hunt in Minocqua, and he was additionally a member of the American Legion Post #481 and the VFW #8486. Dick liked both hunting and fishing when time allowed, and he was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers.

When reflecting on the life of Richard Haack we are reminded that building wealth according to the world’s measure does not ensure happiness, but that it is through giving to others that we are richly blessed. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed having fun with his friends, too, fully embracing the moments he was given each day. Life will never he the same without Dick here, but the impact he made in the lives of those around him will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the tide.

Richard A. “Dick” Haack died on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare. Dick’s family includes his wife, Lucille Haack of Madison; sons, Bruce (Debbie) Haack of McFarland and Bryan (Peggy) Haack of Middleton; grandchildren, Monica (Hoyt) Harrison of Madison, Corey (Katie) Haack of Madison, and Christopher Haack of Middleton; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Hudson Harrison, and Riley Haack; siblings, Theresa Morgan of DeForest, Albert (Kim) Haack of DeForest, Howard (Dee) Haack of Kingman, Ariz., Donna Broge of Ava, Mo., Anna (Ron) Brewer of Wyocena, Arlene (Randy) Phillips of Madison, Dennis (Priscilla) Haack of Harrisville, and Frank (Donell) Haack of Rio; stepmother Bernie Haack of Poynette; uncle Ed Haack of Middleton; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy J. Haack in 1986; mother-in-law, Amelia Engeseth; infant brother, Elmer; and sisters, Nancy Pfeil and Sharon Hysell. Funeral services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main Street, DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, with Pastor Jerry A. Olson presiding. Burial will be at Norway Grove Cemetery in DeForest with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or to Christ Lutheran Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.