Kay Dawn Dietrich-Haak

A vivacious, fun-loving, and hardworking woman, Kay Dawn Dietrich-Haak was a blessing to those around her. She was a gentle nurturer who was filled with compassion toward others as she was selfless in the way she treated all people. Kay was unmistakable because of her blue eyes, her infectious laughter, and her voice that was hard to miss, but it was the way she never shied away from showing affection to others that will be her lasting legacy. Kay was full of life, full of laughter, and full of love. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

The 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have ever faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. With an unemployment rate that peaked at over 25 percent, things began to look a bit brighter by the year 1938. We celebrated accomplishments such as the completion of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building while New York City never looked better as the streets came alive with the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl on February 9th. Kay Dawn was the oldest of three children born to her parents and was joined in the family home by her siblings, Fred “Ted” and Jack, and her stepsister, Becky.

When she was around 10 years old, Kay’s parents divorced, which brought her to Grand Rapids where she spent several years living with the Sharron family on the South side of town. Kay attended Townline Elementary and graduated from Central High School.

It was while working as a cashier at a local Kroger that Kay met the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Jim Dietrich, and they soon began dating. They continued to date for three years, and with a desire to establish a life together Kay and Jim were married in 1957 at St. Alphonsus.

After a honeymoon in New York City they returned to the Grand Rapids area where their family soon grew. They had seven children altogether and raised their family in a home on 60th Street. Four of their children were born with microcephaly, which required vast amounts of care and attention. Kay cared for her children as best she could, which could be very trying at times as they lived into their teens but never developed beyond the infancy stage. However, once they found outside care for the children the family was able to participate in the same activities that many families do. They enjoyed camping during the summer, starting out in tents and later graduating to a camper, and Kay usually found her place under a shade tree while reading a book.

In her free time Kay continued to keep busy. She and Jim were both social people who enjoyed playing cards and were members of the Wyoming Jaycee's. Kay loved crafts of all kinds as she was into painting, ceramics, knitting, and macramé. She was a gifted seamstress who could make wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, and Barbie clothes for Theresa’s dolls. Kay was an amazing baker, too, who made intricate wedding cakes with several layers. Although her hands were always busy doing something, Kay often talked or watched television while she was working as she loved her soap operas. Once her children were a bit older she went to nursing school and became a licensed practical nurse. Over the years that followed, Kay worked for hospitals for a time and later worked for nursing homes. She loved her work, and it was a good fit, too, as she was a naturally caring and nurturing person.

Although her marriage ended in divorce after 28 years, Kay was forever grateful for the children they shared. She continued working and later moved to Wyoming.

Big changes were in store for Kay when she met Laverne Haak at a dance at Lincoln Country Club about ten years later. They became companions, and after falling in love they were married on February 4, 1994. Together Kay and Laverne enjoyed traveling, taking many cruises and frequently visiting Branson, Missouri. Kay also loved playing cards and dominos. Eventually, she began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, and they moved to a home in Barryton where Laverne took care of her for as long as he was able.

All who knew Kay would agree that she was truly one of a kind. Perhaps one of the most memorable of her traits was the way her voice carried, and she was not afraid to use it either. This could be a bit of an embarrassment to her children at times when they were younger as they could hear her from the house to the schoolyard! Kay’s bark was worse than her bite, however, she wasn’t afraid to dole out a little discipline with a firm hand and a spoon.

A jovial, high-spirited, and nurturing person, Kay Dietrich-Haak was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She had an amazing sense of humor and a contagious laughter that was all her own. As her friends and family can attest, Kay was an affectionate woman who always greeted them with a kiss on the lips and a hug. She made a significant impact on all who were within her reach. A genuine blessing to others, Kay will never be forgotten.

Kay Dawn Dietrich-Haak, age 75 of Barryton and formerly of Wyoming passed away January 25, 2014. She was preceded in death by her children Vicky, Suzy, Margaret and Johnny Dietrich, and by her brother, Fred "Ted" Ward. Kay is survived by her husband, Laverne "Vern" Haak; children Theresa Simmons (Kevin Patterson), Mark (Lisa) Dietrich, Michael Dietrich; brother and sisters-in-law Jack and Karen Ward, Diane Ward; step sister, Becky (Tony) Ward Crothas; and by her step children Bob (Mary) Haak, Deb (Brent) Loudin, Pam (Phillip) Westerhof and Dan (Marie) Haak; as well as many grandchildren. A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, January 31 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday from 6-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions are preferred to either the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Mecosta County. To read more about her life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com