Robert Haak, 64, of Downers Grove, a counselor with the Illinois Department of Labor, died Tuesday, June 27, in Hinsdale Hospital. Mr. Haak was a vocational counselor, program manager and an adjudicator for the department. “He was not your typical government employee. He cared about people and extended himself to find them jobs,” said his wife, Audrey Klaver Haak. Born in Harvey, Mr. Haak grew up in what was then rural Oak Lawn. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1959 and for a time worked for Rot Garbage Co. in Chicago’s western suburbs. “He realized that that was a young man’s job, so he went back to school in his 30s,” his wife said. Mr. Haak entered Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in vocational guidance and counseling, putting into motion a 30-year career with the State of Illinois. “I had no idea how much he was loved and appreciated at work,” his wife said. “It was common for us to be in a store and have somebody walk up and thank him for helping him find a job.” Mr. Haak was an active member in Christ Church of Oak Brook and a longtime volunteer at Downers Grove’s annual Heritage Fest. Mr. Haak is also survived by his mother, Henrietta Haak, and brothers John, Donald, Kenneth and James. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday in Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st Street and York Road, Oak Brook.
