Allen LaVern "Red" Haak, age 85, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg on Sunday, September 28, 2014. He was born on September 21, 1929 in Livingston, WI, an only child to Ralph and Reta (Weir) Haak. He moved to West Middleton and graduated class of 1947 from Verona. July 14th, 1951 he was drafted into the US Army, and served with the "A" Battery 887 Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War, stationed in Garmisch, Germany. As with everything he did in his life, his postcards described his time there as "fun". He returned home in December of 1952. While working at his parent's neighbor's farm he met their babysitter, Marilyn Kuehni. They became best friends and companions, and were married on May 28, 1960. They shared all of life's struggles and many joys together. They had five children, David, Steven, Timothy, Daniel and Mary Ellen during their 54 years of marriage. He had several jobs throughout his life including Peter's Feed & Seed, The Verona Lumber Co., and a salesman for Kussmaul Seed Corn; but it was his love for farming that nourished his soul. He enjoyed bowling, was a pitcher for the Verona League Fast Pitch Softball team, card club, vacations, all the special times camping and the excellent conversations. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, children David (Theresa) of Belleville, Steven (Becky Olson) of Belleville, Timothy (Kari) of Oconomowoc, Daniel (Jacalyn) of Lodi and Mary Ellen of Belleville. Grandchildren: Greg, Tom (Missy), Dennis, Melaine, Aiden, Megan, Natalie, Noelle and Ivy. Great-Grandchildren: Jane (Tom & Missy). Further survived by his sisters-in-law Lorraine Lehnherr, Linda (John) Glassmaker, many close nieces & nephews, and cousins. He was proceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Mary Kuehni, and brothers-in-law Donald Lehnherr and Kenneth Kuehni. A gathering to celebrate LaVern's life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday October 4th, at Zwingli United Church of Christ in Paoli, 1338 County Rd. PB, Belleville, WI. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Zwingli United Church of Christ with Rev. Sara Rabe officiating with burial to follow at the Paoli Cemetery with full military honors. The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is serving the family. A heartfelt thank you to Kathy, and all the staff and friends at Sonrisas, his home away from home; Agrace Hospice Care and all the souls that have touched his life throughout the blessed years he had. He always had a smile for everyone.
