Obituary of Elaine F Haak

Elaine Fae (Hummel) Haak, 96, of Polo, IL, went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2023, while in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine and her twin sister Eleanor were born July 4, 1926 to Walter and Emma (Scholl) Hummel. Being born five minutes after Eleanor, Elaine liked to remind her sister that she was the younger twin. For years, the twins believed that the Fourth of July parades and celebrations were in honor of their birthday – until they finally learned the truth.

Elaine graduated from Polo High School in 1944 and began working at Northwestern Steel & Wire. She married Melvin Haak on August 12, 1945 in Polo, IL. Following her employment at Northwestern Steel & Wire, Elaine spent her time assisting Melvin in running the family farm. Known for being sweet and sassy and not afraid to herd cattle or drive a tractor; she was comfortable on the farm and in the house – while always keeping her manicure going.

Elaine and Melvin were active in the American Murray Grey Association and National Cattleman’s Beef Association. They were lifelong members of East Jordan United Methodist and held various leadership positions throughout the years.

She loved to sing and shared her beautiful alto voice at church, local radio stations, and area retirement homes. Along with her daughter Melissa, Elaine enjoyed singing duets in church and calling friends and family on their birthdays and singing Happy Birthday to them.

Elaine was a devoted wife and mother. She always wanted to have many children of her own and will be remembered by many “bonus” children who called her mom and grandma. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were blessed to have her support at all their extracurricular activities and in every other aspect of their lives. 

She was a woman of many talents and master of all. She loved singing and dancing, hand stands, baking banana bread, making tapioca pudding, Jello pinwheels, homemade dressing (the only kind that Grandpa would eat), and anything with rhubarb (to name a few).

She was small but mighty, a tough sweet woman; she had it all.

Elaine is survived by her three children: Melaine Rude of Harbor Springs, MI; Melissa Haak of Polo, IL; Martin (Mally) Haak of Polo, IL; seven grandchildren: Tara (Joe) Guthrie of Harbor Springs, MI; Abby Haak of Milwaukee, WI; Katie Haak of Prophetstown, IL; Emma (Zac) Stull of Polo, IL; Jasmyn (Cameron) Geerts of Sterling, IL; Sydney Anderson and Cole Anderson of Polo, IL; and three great-grandchildren: Henry Haak, Lillia Guthrie, and Lillienne Geerts.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; Melvin Henry Haak, her husband of 67 years; her sisters Geraldine Ebersole, Bernice Lapp, her twin sister Eleanor Koch, and twin sisters who died in infancy.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 5 from 4:00-7:00 PM, at the Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 6 at 10:30 AM at East Jordan United Methodist Church in Sterling, IL. A burial will follow the Celebration of Life at East Jordan United Methodist Cemetery. 

A memorial has been established to East Jordan United Methodist Church in Sterling, IL and to Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL. 

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.