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William Joseph Haack, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Friday morning, May 8, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 23, 1942 in Sturgis, son of the late William E. “Booie” and Sarah E. (Ekstrom) Haack.
Bill was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a proud graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1960.
On March 12, 2023, he married the love of his life, Dorothea “Dottie” (Tefft) Bressler at the family home on Thompson Lake in Sturgis.
Bill owned and operated The Electric Shop in Sturgis for many years and later retired from T.C. Appliance in Sturgis following 31 years of dedicated service to the company and his many loyal customers. He played an instrumental role in the success of the business, which was honored as Dealer of the Year in 2019.
A devoted local historian, Bill was recognized as Historian of the Year in 2025. He was an active member of the Sturgis Historical Society and, as a passionate train enthusiast, a longtime member of the Sturgis Area Model Railroaders where he spent countless hours at the Freight House sharing his knowledge and love of railroading with others.
Bill truly enjoyed life and the people around him. He treasured time spent at the lake with family and friends. In earlier years, he raced snowmobiles and was also a licensed private pilot. Trains remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life, even owning his own caboose at one time, and he found endless enjoyment working on his H/O train layout. Bill also cherished many meals with friends and family at Prairie Lake Tavern. Bill had a deep love for animals, was a gifted handyman, and was always happiest when helping others. One of his greatest joys was the daily phone call he shared with his granddaughter, Brooke.
He is survived by his children: Shaun Haack, Jeffery (Cindy) Haack, Todd (Cindy) Conrod Kilbourn and Tracey Wohlers Penner, all of Sturgis; granddaughters: Dr. Brooke (Tyler) Luce of Plymouth and Brielle Penner of Sturgis; sister: Carol Cohane of Sunnyvale, California; sisters-in-law: Dirinda Maddy of Daytona Beach, Florida and Sharon Mynhier of Bronson; brother-in-law: Dennis (Tammy) Brauker of Bronson; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dottie Haack; and grandson, Jesse Haack.
In honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 4:00 Saturday, May 16th at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Sturgis Historical Society, c/o Sturgis Area Model Railroaders, 101 S. Jefferson Street, Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
