Roger Lee Haake was born to Adolph H. and Lora C. (Bartels) Haake on June 24, 1936, at Tobias, and passed April 22, 2024, near Wilber, at the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 29 days. He was one of two children born in the family.
Roger grew up near Tobias. He was baptized on July 5, 1936 at Zion Lutheran Church and was confirmed on April 2, 1950, in the same church. He remained a member there the rest of his life. Roger graduated from Tobias High School with the class of 1954. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Fairbury Junior College and graduated in 1956. While in college, Roger enlisted in the Army National Guard on Jan. 11, 1956. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for basic training and then transferred to Fort Ord in California, where he held the position of Squad Leader. After returning home from basic training, Roger continued to serve in the Army National Guard before he was honorably discharged on Jan. 10, 1963.
Roger was united in marriage to Leota Faye Williams on Aug. 18, 1957, at Fairbury. To this union, three children were born: Perry, Rachelle and Kristi. They made their first home on a farm near Western before moving to the home place near Tobias in 1977.
Roger was a lifelong farmer and was a Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed salesman for 34 years. He was also active in the Tobias community, serving on the Tobias Fire Department, Tobias American Legion Post 311, and the Zion Lutheran Church as a member and past Elder.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Lora; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walt and Faye Williams; sister-in-law, Shirley Sovereign; and great-grandson, Walker Jarchow.
He is survived by his wife, Leota Haake, of Tobias; son, Perry and Darlene Haake of Central City; daughters, Rachelle and Greg Jarchow of Deshler, and Kristi and Brad Moslander of Pickrell; brother, Larry and Linda Haake of Tobias; grandchildren, Justin Jarchow and fiancé Lisa, Philip and Sara Haake, Amanda Jarchow and fiancé Anthony, Sarah and Nate Burr, Cody and Kayla Moslander, Lucas and Skye Moslander, and Caleb and Haylee Jarchow; great-grandchildren, Ethan Meerkatz and fiancé Elizabeth, Leigha Rager, Olivia Burr, Anna Burr, Bodie Jarchow, Grayson Haake, and Lainey Jarchow; and nieces, nephews and many friends.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, May 1, at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Tobias. Pastor Karl Hollibaugh will preside over the service and Becky Hollibaugh will accompany the congregation in the singing of “Thy Strong Word,” “Amazing Grace” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” Pallbearers will include Justin Jarchow, Caleb Jarchow, Cody Moslander, Philip Haake, Nate Burr, and Ethan Meerkatz. Honorary pallbearer are Lucas Moslander, Amanda Jarchow and Sarah Burr.
A graveside service with military honors will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery with military honors provided by the Tobias American Legion Post 311 and the Nebraska Military Honor Guard. Arrangements by Farmer and Son Funeral Home.
