Donald J. Haack, age 88, went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
He was born March 13, 1937 in Sheboygan to Erwin and Malitta (Bennin) Haack. He attended Immanuel Lutheran grade school and was a longtime member of Immanuel Luther Church. He was a graduate of Sheboygan Central High School, Class of 1955.
Don served in the Wisconsin National Guard from 1955 to 1961 serving as Company Clerk for a time. Don developed a lifelong interest in the stock market and had the opportunity to become a registered stock broker. He was employed with Wayne Hummer & Co. and H.C. Denison & Co. As a young man, Don was active with the Jaycees and was chairman of the Miss Sheboygan Pageant/Bratwurst Day. He was also involved with the Sheboygan People to People chapter.
In 1966, Don was united in marriage to Phyllis Leibham, and they shared two daughters, Lori and Shari.
In 1963 Don opened and operated Don’s Lunch on the corner of Calumet and Geele for eleven years. In 1974, they bought the A & W Drive Inn in Kiel, WI. Years later the drive-inn was demolished and a new restaurant was built. In 1987 he sold the restaurant and leased the A & W on the Southside of Sheboygan for more than three years. Following retirement, Don worked as a courier for Johnson Bank, as a starter at Black Wolf Run Golf Course, drove the airport shuttle and drove private vehicles to and from warm destinations.
Don enjoyed traveling and was able to visit Russia and China with Shari. He also traveled to Scandinavia and many Eastern Europe countries. His interest in history and religion led him to Martin Luther’s church in Germany on Reformation Day. He also visited his granddaughter, Mickenzie, while she was a student in Florence, and enjoyed other family trips.
He is survived by two daughters, Lori Petrie of Plymouth and Shari (Jim) Holtan of Prior Lake, MN; four grandchildren, Mickenzie (Zach) Petrie-Rust, Brady Petrie, Benjamin Holtan, and Alleyna Holtan; a favorite AFS student, Ilaria Segata; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jeff Petrie; his sister, Jeanne and brother-in-law, Steve Herm.
Don enjoyed watching the stock market, and all televised golf tournaments. Many hours were shared playing cards with his grandchildren. He enjoyed the many conversations he had with his family and those he encountered throughout his life. Don will be forever remembered as a kind soul who always had a positive outlook on life. He will be dearly missed as a father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1634 Illinois Ave., in Sheboygan, with Rev. Don Johnson officiating. Family will greet visitors at the church on Saturday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service. Don’s service will be livestreamed on his obituary page on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Don’s name.
The family would like to thank the many individuals who treated and cared for Don these last few months.
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