Darlene Leona Haak

Darlene Leona Haak, 94, of Sterling, passed away on March 12, 2026 at Parkway Center in Sterling, Illinois. Born on November 28, 1931 in Sterling, she was the daughter of Menno and Pearl (Landis) Long. A 1949 graduate of Sterling High School, Darlene married the love of her life, Loren Haak, on August 25, 1957. Loren preceded her in death in 2006 after 49 years of marriage.

Darlene was a devoted farm wife, caring mother, and supportive grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked for 26 years in banking at Sterling National Bank and Polo National Bank, retiring in 1992. Those who knew her will remember her kind and gentle spirit, as well as the delicious hamballs she lovingly prepared for family gatherings and holidays.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Leon) Shank; two grandsons, Kyle (Brecken) Haak and Kristopher (Mary) Haak; four great-grandchildren, Anneliese Haak, Landon Haak, Emalynn Haak, and Brielle Haak; step-grandchildren Nathan (Megan) Shank, Naomi (Denny) Forbes, and Rachel (Jimmy Harrington) Henson; and four step great-grandchildren, Kaden and Kylie Shank, Gage (Chloe Stingley) Forbes, and Taiya Forbes. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Elsie Long and Joyce Long.

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