David Henry Haakenson, 78, of Elk Mound, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 26 at Baptist Health in Miami, Florida, with his family at his side, from complications of an existing heart condition. David was born in Edgerton, Wisconsin, on December 5, 1935, to Henry and Ellen (Zinn) Haakenson. His childhood was spent with his parents and siblings on the family farm near Milton, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army. He then earned a teaching degree from UW-Whitewater in Wisconsin. At Whitewater he met his future wife, Barbara. They were married on June 18, 1960. Together they raised their three children on their well-loved hobby farm near Elk Mound, Wisconsin. David taught high school English and Spanish in Janesville, Wisconsin, for several years. He then taught Spanish at Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, until he retired. During his time at Memorial, he traveled abroad and organized foreign language tours for students. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time on the farm with his grandchildren. He and Barbara wintered in South Florida and in Mexico, making friends there and welcoming guests from home. He was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Ellen Haakenson; beloved brother, Stephen, and (as he often proudly proclaimed) Elvis Presley. David is survived by his wife, Barbara (Ison); son, David (Carmen); daughter, Susan (Brent) Honadel, Dan (Donna); and grandchildren, Lyndsey, Daniel and Gabriel. He is also survived by sister, Bergine Haakenson; brother, William (Linda); and sister-in-law, Margaret Haakenson. David also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; as well as a number of truly wonderful friends, many of whom he considered family. David will be missed but fondly remembered by all of the people - family, friends, students - whose lives he touched with his energy, great love of adventure, friendliness, and quick wit. A visitation/open house in honor and celebration of David's life will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Service Information

Celebration of Life

Saturday, May 17 2014 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703