Darlene Leona Haak

Darlene Leona Haak, 94, of Sterling, passed away on  Thursday March 12, 2026 at Parkway Center in Sterling, IL.  Darlene was born November 28, 1931 the daughter of Menno and Pearl (Landis) Long.  Darlene was a 1949 graduate of Sterling High School. On August 25th, 1957, she married the love of her life, Loren Haak.  Loren preceded her in death in 2006.  She was a loving farm wife, caring mother, and supportive grandmother and great grandmother.  Darlene held various banking positions totaling 26 years at Sterling National Bank and Polo National Bank. She retired in 1992.

Darlene’s family and friends will greatly miss her kind and gentle spirit. We will also miss her delicious hamballs which were served at many family gatherings/ holidays. 

Survivors include one daughter Karen (Leon) Shank; two grandsons Kyle (Brecken) Haak, Kristopher (Mary) Haak; four great-grandchildren Anneliese Haak, Landon Haak, Emalynn Haak, Brielle Haak; step grandchildren Nathan (Megan) Shank, Naomi (Denny) Forbes, Rachel (Jimmy Harrington) Henson; four step great-grandchildren Kaden and Kylie Shank, Gage ( Chloe Stingley) Forbes and Taiya Forbes; two sister-in-laws Elsie Long, and Joyce Long.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Loren, of 49 yrs, one son Keith Haak; daughter-in-law Angela Haak; one sister Vera Allison; and two brothers Byron Long, and Dale Long.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday March 19, 2026 at East Jordan United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Jim Miller, officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the funeral from 10AM-11AM at Church. Burial will conclude at East Jordan Cemetery.

Darlene’s family would like to thank all staff for the excellent care and compassion she received at Parkway Center in Sterling  the last  three years. 

A memorial has been established.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com