Robert J. Haack

Robert J. Haack, a lifelong Wisconsin resident (primarily West Bend, Brookfield and recently Fort Atkinson) and founder of Robert Haack Diamonds, passed away January 22, 2012. A graduate of Rufus King High School where he was known as a talented trumpet player and darn swell fellow, he joined the US Marines at 17 and proudly served in Okinawa (1st Division) during WWII. Bob started his jewelry business in 1947, was one of the first to embrace mall retailing in Milwaukee, and later opened stores in Madison and Florida. Ever the adventurer, Bob lived a big life for 86 years mining for diamonds in South America, operating a charter yacht in the Virgin Islands, traveling the world to buy and sell gems, going on safaris and jungle expeditions, raising ocelots, and constantly pursuing dreams. He loved to run, participating in Als Run into his seventies. Survived by daughters Anita (Jim) Martin in Lake Mills, WI, Annette (Bob) Bertelsen in Minnetonka, MN and Beth (Scott) Otto in Plymouth, MN; grandchildren Collin (Amanda) & Elliott Chaffin, Derek & Corey Bertelsen, Zachary Schuster and Kendall Otto; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; friend and former wife Audrey Haack; and countless buddies around the globe. Now reunited (and surely dancing) with daughter Lynne Chaffin Schuster, grandson Alexander, brother Don (McGee) and parents Erwin and Eleanor. Celebration of Life at Wisconsin Memorial Park Reception Hall, 13235 W. Capitol Dr, Brookfield, on Friday Feb. 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to National Geographic Society (www.natgeotakeaction.org) or Second Harvest Heartland (2harvest.org).
The Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

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