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 six 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 Mount Horeb High School - graduating in 1965. It was there I met the love of my life, Stanley E. Haack. I attended UW Oshkosh for two 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 and 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 and family surrounding us with unending love!

Predeceased family members include parents, Margaret (Handel) Merklein and 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; brothers and sisters in-law, 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.

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 and hospital. A special friend Joyce Stendhal, wonderful high school friends, my son Bret and family, and a very special heartwarming thank you to my daughter 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!