Patricia A. Haack
April 27, 1947 - July 16, 2018
Obituary
MIDDLETON/NEW GLARUS-Patricia Ann Merklein Haack ... I was born April 27, 1947 at St. Mary’s hospital in Madison, Wisconsin to Raymond D. Merklein and Margaret M. (Handel) Merklein. I joined my brother Michael, and eventually our family grew to 6 children, adding Ann, Steve, Jane, and Susan. We moved from Madison, Wisconsin in 1952 to Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. This is where I would grow up and spend my wonderful childhood years. I attended Blue Mounds Grade School through 8th grade, moving on to attend Mt. Horeb High School - graduating in 1965. It was there I met the love of my life, Stanley E. Haack. I attended UW Oshkosh for 2 years pursuing a nursing career. Stan and I were married February 18, 1967. We were blessed with two beautiful children, Bret Edwin and Heidi Rae. We settled in Middleton, Wisconsin for 30 years. I began working for the Quisling Clinic in 1980 in Middleton. From there I moved up to Meriter Hospital to work for the Physicians Plus Oncology Clinic in 1986, staying with them until the year 2000. In the year of 2000, I transferred to the UW Medical Foundation, when the Epic contract was signed. I continued working with the UW Medical Foundation until I retired in 2012 after 32 years. In 1998, Stan had a dream of moving to the country and we relocated to the hills of New Glarus. Here we spent 18 wonderful years. There are too many wonderful people & memories to talk about to list here, but for all of you who know me, you know that I had a wonderful life, good family and wonderful friends, and the best husband a girl could ask for. My joy in life was having our children, grandchildren & family surrounding us with unending love!
Predeceased family members include; parents Margaret (Handel) Merklein & Raymond Merklein, brother Michael Merklein, beloved husband Stanley Haack, in-laws Ed and June (Bilsie) Haack, Yvonne (Haack) Friedli, Bill Friedli, Ed Haack, Calvin Haack, Jim Willey.
I am survived by my son, Bret (Kelli O’Leary) Haack, grandson, Drew Haack, and granddaughter, Cassie Haack; my daughter, Heidi (Jeff) Palmer, granddaughters Grace Margaret Tollefson, Eve Palmer; and grandson Charlie Tollefson; brother, Steve Merklein; sisters Jane (John Kleinheinz) Merklein, Ann Merklein, and Susan (Tracy) Cotter; brother and sister in-laws, Mary Ann (Keith) Merklein, Joann Willey, Karen (Dave) Hellenbrand, Fred (Alice) Haack, Luann (Tom) White, Dale (Cathy) Haack, and Roger (Marlene) Haack. Several loving nieces and nephews and special cousins. A special aunt and uncle, Chris and Jack Kellesvig. My life was filled with aunts, uncles, cousins at our house, or at Brigham Park, or theelliher farm, and of course at James church for family holidays and gatherings. To my sisters and brothers, I hope you know how much I have loved you all in this lifetime! You were not only my family, but you were my best friends and always will be. Until we meet again, peace be with you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave, Middleton, at 11a.m., on Friday, July 20, 2018, with Fr. Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Green Cares Food Pantry and the St. James Vermont Cemetery fund. A special thank you to Dr. Lisa Barriohlet and team at UW oncology team & hospital. A special friend Joyce Stendhal, wonderful high school friends, my son Bret & family, and a very special heartwarming thank you to my daughter Heidi, and her family for the care they have given me these last few years. You gave me an incentive to go on and be grateful for everything I could. I love you all!
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave
608-831-6761
Events
Visitation
Fri Jul 20, 2018 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Jul 20, 2018 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI null
Photos
No photos of Patricia have been shared yet.
Memories
CS
Char Smith
Other •
Pat was the epitome of kindness and grace. She was beautiful, inside and out. I am privileged to have known her entire family, for many years. I have you all in my prayers to find comfort and peace, and I love you all, very much!
JS
Jamie Schultz
Other •
Dear Family of Pat... To know the love of this amazing soul is a gift from God. I feel so blessed to have known Pat, and to have spent time with her. Sending love and prayers to each of you today and always~Jamie Schultz.
KH
Kathy Handel
Other •
The first time I met Pat was at the bridal shower her and Aunt Marg threw for me. She welcomed me into the Handel family with open arms and always went out of her way to say hello and ask how the kids were whenever I saw her. Like her mother she had a special way of touching everyone she met, Pat will be deeply missed!
AD
Ann and Phil Dettwiler
Other •
Sweet Pat....and sweet, sweet doting and loving family. Heaven is richer tonight. Our deep sympathy for your huge loss and the long struggle everyone has endured. We keep you ALL close in thoughts and prayers.
Ann and Phil
AS
Angela Smith
Other •
Pat was my first "real job" boss. I started working for her at the Cancer Care Clinic in the outpatient section of the oncology wing at Madison General Hospital when I was just 19 years old. I learned about professionalism, confidentiality and how addicting peanut M&Ms could be (she always had a snack-size bag in her pocket). I remember a few years later bringing my young son trick-or-treating to her and Stan's home. We were so excited to see their super cute mini dachshunds, whom Pat adored and talked about often at work. Pat was my work mom and I really loved her.
GS
Gregory L. Sheehy
Other •
Pat Haack was a wonderful person who cared deeply about others. I know this as I worked with her for several years at UW Health. Always reliable, always trustworthy, always friendly...those are the virtues that Pat brought to her work and to colleagues and patients alike. Indeed, when our own children needed a similar person for summer supervision, it was only natural that we sought out Pat and Stan's daughter, Heidi, as the one to guide and protect them.
So we are very sorry to learn of Pat's death but, like others, we believe that she is happy to be back together with Stan. They were a great couple who created a great family. Our sincere sympathy go out to Bret and Heidi and their extended families.
Dominus vobiscum.
Greg and Barb Sheehy