Paul Alan Haack was born in Council Bluffs, IA, on November 20, 1952, and met Jesus on August 31, 2025, always telling us this would be the greatest day of his life.

He left us doing what he loved. Just after riding his bike on a beautiful day, he suffered a cardiac event.

He was born to Marjorie (Klahn) and Oscar Haack. Growing up on his family farm in Henderson, IA, with his siblings he learned to balance hard work, shenanigans, good grades and a competitive drive playing baseball, basketball and high jumping.

He graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 1971 and Dana College in 1975 where he also played baseball.

While at Dana he met the love of his life, Sandy (Olson), who he loved, respected and protected every day since. After marrying in October 1976 they started their life together in Wyoming where Paul worked as an accounting manager for Peter Kiewit.

It is there they had their first two children, Heather and Aaron. Years later they met their third child, Ali, who needed a loving home. They gave her just that and so much more well before her adoption was finalized.

After eight years in Wyoming they transferred to Texas then returned to Blair where they would spend the next 37 years. He was an entrepreneur with an unmatched work ethic. Paul and Sandy owned and operated Blair Liquor for four years, then went on to start Riverside Construction for 31 years, only recently retiring.

He gave great advice, was humble, kind, honest and the best support to his entire family. He woke up every day to a good day and loved watching the sunrise. He took extreme pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow and thrive. His life lessons were second to none, and he loved sharing with each of us things he knew we would appreciate with a photo, text or phone call.

He loved being in the Bighorn Mountains, a round of disc golf, cribbage, a good card game and everything in between. He appreciated all God’s creations, the view from his yard and feeding the wildlife that came to visit. It was his daily mission to “leave it better than I found it.” He did this in his yard, home, relationships, job sites and anywhere else he found himself.

He continued his legacy of learning and generosity in death by donating his body to science at Creighton University. Paul is survived by his adoring wife Sandy, children Heather (Heath) Cottle, Aaron Haack and Ali (Tanner) Gregurich. Grandchildren Kendahl, Chase and Kasey Cottle, Kaden and Bella Haack and Ada Gregurich. Siblings Peg (Ed) Pease, Don (Cindy) Haack, Teri (Tom) Harmon, countless nieces, nephews and extended family.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles Haack. Paul always said, “no funeral.” We will hold a Celebration of Life at 5:30p.m. on Friday, September 12th, with food, fellowship and laughter to follow until 9 p.m. at Gardner-Hawks Atrium, 2925 Angels Share Drive, on the Dana Campus-Blair. Paul loved Nebraska Volleyball, and we’ll stream the match in his honor.

#2 Printed in the September 7, 2025 Omaha World-Herald

Paul Alan Haack

November 20, 1952 ~ August 31, 2025

Paul Alan Haack, 72, November 20, 1952-August 31, 2025. Celebration of Life Friday, September 12, 2025, 5:30pm at Gardner-Hawks Atrium, 2925 Angels Share Drive on the Dana Campus, Blair, NE. Food, fellowship and laughter will follow until 9:00 p.m.

~~~from obituaries courtesy of the Washington County, Nebraska Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave 286736162