Ben Haack

Fernent Bennie “Ben” Haack, 95, Two Harbors, left this world peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2020 after an extraordinarily full 95 years.

He was born April 30, 1924 to William and Natalie (Duetchlander) Haack in Polley, Wisconsin, and moved to Two Harbors as a child. Ben served in the US Navy during WWII, first stationed in Jacksonville Naval Station, where he met Sadie McCormick and they married in 1944. He was then stationed in Dunkeswell, England for 2 years with Fleet Air Wing 7, managing the hydraulics’ department and working on B24s, and as a secondary gunner. Returning to Two Harbors in 1946, Ben bought a truck and started hauling timber. Later, he and his brothers operated Haack Brothers Construction, building roads and bridges from 1950 until 1976, with Ben retiring in 1980.

In their early years, Ben and Sadie also purchased and operated Flood Bay Motel for many years. After his retirement, Ben lovingly cared for Sadie during her long illness, until her death in 2004.

Ben was a member of First Baptist Church, Gideons International, and Sons of Norway. He was an experienced pilot and navigator, and frequently took cross country flights in his Cessna plane. Ben enjoyed fishing, both in Lake Superior and off the coast of Florida, afternoon coffee with friends, and being outdoors doing his many projects. Ben’s quiet faith was seen in how he lived, loved, and served others. His gentle, caring approach to life was a model to his family and those whose life he touched.

In addition to his parents and wife, Sadie; Ben was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Ernest, Carl, Henry, Herman, Leslie, Clara and Christine.

He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Larry) South of Two Harbors and Joni (Jim) Olson of Cottage Grove; grandchildren, Janna (David), Sarah, and Ben (Lindsey); and great-grandchildren, River, Storm, Emily, Rebecca, Lily, and Lexi.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, Two Harbors. A public service will be held at First Baptist Church in Two Harbors when circumstances allow.