Theodore P. Haack Jr.

Theodore “Ted” P. Haack, Jr. a man of steady loyalty, sharp sense of humor, and a legendary love for sports and the open road, passed away peacefully at his home in Wausau on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Ted’s story began in Marshfield on May 1, 1945. It was there he found his two greatest passions: basketball and his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Meissner. After playing for UW-Marathon, Ted transferred to UW-Madison, after which he and Cheryl married on August 20, 1966. For nearly 60 years, they were a team, building a life in Wausau that was defined by family, hard work, and the occasional cross-country adventure.

To Ted, life was meant to be experienced. When his four children were young, Ted was famous for "carting" the family across the country. These weeks-long road trips were more than just vacations. They were a rite of passage, filled with mapped-out routes, roadside landmarks, and a lifetime of shared, humorous stories that the family continues to fondly recall during quiet moments together.

During his long career with Wausau Insurance, Ted was known for his dedication, eventually transferring to the Milwaukee office in 1996. But when he retired in 2002, the pull of Central Wisconsin was too strong to ignore. He and Cheryl returned to Wausau, the place that had always truly felt like home.

Ted was the ultimate Wisconsin sports fan. If there was a game on, you knew where to find him. Whether Ted was cheering on his beloved Badgers or meticulously organizing his vast collection of sports cards, his enthusiasm was infectious. Ted didn’t just collect cards. He collected the stories and connections that came with them, spending countless hours and connecting with fellow hobbyists, fueled by a genuine enthusiasm that never faded.

Above all, Ted was the cornerstone of his family. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; their children, Brian, Bradley, Jeffrey, and Jennifer; and his three grandchildren, Cassandra, Emma, and Evan. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Vincent. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore, Sr. and Verna Haack.

A celebration of Ted’s life and his final "road trip" will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI 54401.

Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

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