J. Roy Haake, 91 - Dubois County Free Press, Inc.

J. Roy Haake, 91 of Ferdinand died Tuesday October 30, 2012 in S. Specialty Hospital in Evansville. He was born in Ferdinand to Henry Frederick II & Phoebe Mae (Logsdon) Haake on June 5, 1921. He married Marcella Schipp on February 8, 1947 in St. Ferdinand Catholic Church.

J. Roy was co-publisher and editor of the Ferdinand News for 45 years and co-publisher and editor of the Dale News for 34 years. He was the author of a popular column in the Ferdinand News titled “Around Town by B. Spreader”. He retired in 1990.

J. Roy was a charter member and past commander of the American Legion Post 124. Member of the Ferdinand Chamber Of Commerce. Past president & member of the Quasqui-centennial committee, and member of the Sesqui-centennial committee. Committee for the 1st Ferdinand Branch Library. Member of the Ferdinand Parks & Recreation Board. Served on the St. Ferdinand Parish Council for 3 years. Member of St. Ferdinand Parish and was a recipient of the Simon Brute’ Award. He was a charter member of the Ferdinand Community Center. He was a member of the Ferdinand Development Commission. He was a former member of the St. Benedict Advisory Board. He was instrumental in starting the Ferdinand Softball & Linament Leagues. J. Roy served in the U.S. Navy (Pacific Theatre) during WWII, in the Aviation Branch, and attended St. Louis School of Aeronautics after graduating from Huntingburg High School. He was also a volunteer for S.I.R.S. in Ferdinand. He was a former member of the Ferdinand Band until it disbanded.

Surviving are his wife Marcella Haake, 3 daughters, Mrs. Tom (Margaret) Lents of Dubois, Mrs. Patrick (Ruth) Lueken & Mrs. Ron (Sara) Kunkel both of Ferdinand. 4 sons, Patrick (Donna), Henry (Lisa), & John (LaVonne) Haake all of Ferdinand. Max (Terri) Haake of Rockport. 17 grandchildren & 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Magdalene Planos, Agnes Wissel, & Mary Louise Johnson. 3 brothers, Francis, Norman & Oscar Haake.

Funeral services 9:00 AM Saturday in St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, burial with military graveside rites by Ferdinand American Legion Post 124 in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8:00 PM Friday & 7 to 8:30 AM Saturday at Becher Funeral Home, Ferdinand. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ferdinand Church or Ferdinand Community Endowment Fund.