Ruth Haak, age 93, of Holland, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Appledorn Assisted Living Center in Holland.
Ruth was born in Holland, MI, on May 2, 1932, to William and Helene Klingenberg. She lived in Holland her entire life. She attended Holland Christian schools, attended Calvin College, and graduated from Hope College. She married her high school sweetheart, Bernard Haak and they celebrated 67 years together.
Ruth was a remarkable woman with an extraordinary faith. Her love for her Savior Jesus Christ was the center of who she was, permeating through what she said and did. Her deepest desire was for her family and friends to find forgiveness, grace, and new life in a personal relationship with Jesus. Ruth was an active member at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. She participated in prayer groups and Bible Studies, she and Bernie led young people’s groups with much joy and laughter. She loved worshipping with her local church body.
Ruth was a talented organist. She delighted in her rose garden, birds, flowers, and the beauty of creation. She loved reading, teaching piano, attending the symphony, baking, cross stitching, coffee with friends, and playing games. She and her husband were avid travelers who enjoyed wintering in Fountain Hills, Arizona and vacations to the Upper Peninsula in the summers. Ruth was also a sports enthusiast and long time Tulip Time volunteer who led tours of the DeZwaan Windmill.
Ruth was both a teacher and learner. She taught elementary school at Holland Christian Schools and retired from Rose Park after 30 years of service. She was dearly loved by her students and staff. Learning and discussing theology and her personal faith were life giving to her.
She was a loving, selfless, and joyful wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, and a devoted friend to many. She absolutely treasured her people and found tremendous joy being with them. She loved them deeply, and for Ruth, being with those she loved was her favorite place to be.
Ruth’s family would like to thank Appledorn Assisted Living North as well as Hospice of Holland. While at Appledorn she made many sweet friends, and was loved and cared for by a selfless and gracious staff.
She is and will continue to be missed greatly.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Haak, in 2020; son, William Haak, in 1992; and siblings and in-laws, Robert and Ruth Klingenberg, Bill Haak, and Edward Hoezee.
She is survived by her:
Daughter
Cathy (Jeff) Potts of Holland
Daughter-in-law
Laura (Ross) Bolman of Holland
Grandchildren
Tim (Haley) Potts
Elisabeth (David) Miedema
David (Libby) Potts
Emily (Hank) Bowen
Ava Potts
Brendan (Kailey) Haak
Great Grandchildren
Brody, Kyla, Harper, Eden, Nora, Hayes, Tatum, Teddie, Ellison, and Charlie.
Sister
Virginia Hoezee of Grand Rapids
In-laws
Lynn Haak of Tucson, AZ
Elaine (Norm) Lokker of Holland
Funeral services are planned for 11:00 am Friday, February 6, 2026, at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E 8th St., Holland, with Rev. George DeJong officiating. A time of visitation/reception will follow the funeral from 12:00-1:30pm, also at the church. Rev. Ralph Beidler will officiate a private family burial in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools and Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home
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