Ralph William Haake

Ralph William Haake, age 84 of Columbus, NC passed away April 15th, 2023.

Ralph was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 18th, 1938 to Edwin and Frieda Haake. He was a graduate of Lutheran High School in St. Louis and University of Missouri - Columbia.

Throughout his career in employee benefits and risk management, he was Charter Director and divisional VP for the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition, a charter member of the American Paper Institute Insurance Division, and President of the Risk and Insurance Management Society of St. Louis.

Ralph was a true outdoorsman, he loved to camp, hike, and fish (especially trout). He was a lifelong tennis and golf player. As a member of the North County tennis ladder, Ralph met friends that he continued playing with into his early 80s. When not on a court or green, Ralph and his wife, Sally, could often be found bicycling - both locally and abroad. They bonded over their shared love of travel and staying active.

Ralph was also a member of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, where he loved to share his interest in telescopes and the stars with other enthusiasts.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Sarah (Sally) Haake; daughter, Jean Spring (Alan); son Glenn Haake; step-daughter, Beth Harris (Dave); stepson, Patrick Jones (Denise);  brother, Earl (Viola) Haake, and nine loving grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mildred Mauch (Kenny), and daughter-in-law Christine Haake.

Services will be private.

Sanders Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph William Haake, please visit our floral store.