Jerry R. Haack (fondly dubbed "JerBear" and "Daddy-O”) passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at home in rural Waushara County after nearly four decades of coping with quadriplegia. He will be forever remembered and lovingly missed.
Despite his challenges, Jerry led a full and happy life. Prior to his accident, Jerry attended Wild Rose High School where he met Channette “Shawn” Genevieve Buelow. They were married in March of 1978. In the years that followed, they welcomed son Jason and daughter Jessie. Always an important part of Jerry's lifelong inner circle, Shawn survives.
Jerry worked for Waupaca’s “Print n Press” and was a competitive sailor on the weekends. After his life-changing accident, Jerry maintained his friendships and mobility at the wheel of his adaptive van, “Sliver Dollar,” which took him everywhere.
Jerry lived another 39 years, a time span virtually unheard of for a person with quadriplegia, via the care of medical professionals, dedicated caregivers, friends, and family members until his medical complexities rose to overwhelm him in October of 2024.
Jerry is survived by his son Jason (April) Haack and his daughter Jessie (Matt) Mankowski, granddaughter Clarissa Haack, grandson Gage (Malcovia) Haack as well as Gage’s mother Angela Pezewski. Jerry is also survived by his brother Russ (Elizabeth) Haack, and his sister Dr. Connie Haack-Hurlbut.
Jerry is further survived by aunts, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Yvonne "Vonnie," father Robert "Bob," and brother Bruce (Barb) Haack.
To honor Jerry’s memory, a "Celebration of Life" will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, between Saxeville and Wild Rose. Please call 534-758-0898 for details if you have not already been contacted directly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Jerry’s favored charitable designations:
PBS-Wisconsin
https://www.pbswisconsin.org
Long Lake Yacht Club
https://llyc-wi.com/
Humane Society of Waupaca County
https://www.waupacahumane.org/donate
Mobility-4-Vets [Waupaca]
https://mobility4vets.com
For additional aspects of Jerry's life, you are encouraged to visit his biographical story at: https://www.maplecrestfh.com/
