Verl Haacke

Biography

Verl was born the oldest of four boys to Mona Levica Haws and Leland Paul Haacke and was raised in Woods Cross, Utah. They were proud of their Haacke roots with many cousins and family reunions and get-togethers. The family was very competitive in all sports. Verl graduated from Davis High School in 1946 where he met the love of his life, Jeannine Huffman. They shared the same interests in music and theater, and sang at many church, wedding and funeral events during their marriage. Before they married, Verl served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in the Central States Mission where he established a strong connection with his Father in Heaven and a testimony of the restored gospel. Jeannine and Verl were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in September 1950. Three children were brought into this family union, and they established a loving home in Bountiful, Utah. Verl also served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was away from his family when his first son was born. He was very involved in his children’s lives and never missed a little league game or a piano recital. This gave Verl the opportunity to coach many young boys in basketball, football and baseball, which was frequently extended into post-season all-star games. His love of sports led him to a career in umpiring and refereeing the games he loved in addition to his normal job. He was one of BYU’s biggest fans and loved and supported his Cougars in any and all sports. Verl had a gift with his kids and was a true example of all he represented. Above all he was known for being a peacemaker and a champion for everyone, especially those who needed a friend. Jeannine preceded him in death in December 1989. He married Montez Mitchell in August 1990. He was a great caregiver for her until she passed on in 2011. Verl served in many callings in the Church and loved to sing the hymns of the gospel and teach its principles. He was in a barbershop choir and conducted choirs in almost any congregation he attended. Verl spent the last three years of his life at the Coventry Assisted Care Living Facility in Cottonwood Heights and formed many friendships there. He was always concerned for those who needed assistance, helping them eat and get around. He was so appreciative of those who cared for him and his friends, and told them so frequently. Verl will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. He is survived by his brother Lani Haacke (Bonnie) of Orem, Utah and Clyde Haacke (Rosida) of Sugar City, Idaho; his two sons, Eldon (Sandra) and Wayne Haacke, daughter LeslieAnn (Roy Zumstein); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; step children who he thought so fondly of, Bruce and Stella Mitchell, Jay and Brenda Mitchell, and Kevin and Colleen Mitchell; 15 step grand-children; 22 step great-grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by his brother, J. Kent, his loving parents, and many family members and friends. His light never dimmed and his blue eyes glistened whenever he talked of his love of sports, or of his children and of his testimony of Jesus Christ.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 11:45 am to 12:45 pm followed by funeral services at 1:00 pm at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah. Interment at the Bountiful Cemetery.

Funeral Service

Wednesday April 2, 2014, 1:00 at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary
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A viewing will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 11:45 am to 12:45 pm followed by funeral services at 1:00 pm at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah. Interment at the Bountiful Cemetery.