Megan Marie Elizabeth Haak

Milwaukee - Megan Marie Elizabeth Haak, 44, of Milwaukee, WI, was born in York, PA, on July 14, 1976. She died on July 25, 2020, along with her son Philip Langston Gutter and her father Mark Paul Haak in a tragic car accident. Megan was raised along with her two brothers and three sisters in Fond du Lac, WI. She completed her undergraduate work at UW-Oshkosh and her graduate work at UW-Milwaukee. Megan was currently employed at the Medical College of Wisconsin as Program Manager of Graduate Medical Education.

She is survived by her son Evan Harrison Gutter and her former husband Booker Gutter of Milwaukee, WI, her mother Margaret Haak of Fond du Lac, brothers Mark (Heather) Haak of Phoenix, AZ, Joseph (Kristi) Haak of Theresa, WI, sisters Catherine (Mohammed) Bey of De Pere, WI, Molly (Joel) Spaulding of Ripon, WI, very special sister Abby Haak of Milwaukee, WI, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and associates at MCW.

The two most important things in Megan's life were her sons Evan and Philip. She loved people and was a vivacious extrovert. Megan was gracious and generous, a phenomenal story teller, and was adored by her nieces and nephews. She treasured all animals, especially her dogs. Megan was loved beyond measure.

Private services are scheduled.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jul. 30 to Aug. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Megan Haak

Sponsored by Zacherl Funeral Home - Fond du Lac.

16 Entries

Jacques

July 24, 2025

There is a miss, a void. Her sprightly personality is missed greatly.

Agnes V. Williams

July 24, 2022

"Precious memories, how they linger"! Our time together...your sharing your knowledge of statistics...such unforgettable moments. God bless you, my angel.

Gerard Grzyb

January 30, 2021

Megan was my student in sociology at UW Oshkosh, and I remember her well. When I organized our very first event where we had graduates of our program come back to campus to offer advice to current students, in 2005, Megan was a clear choice to be on the program (see photo). She was one of a handful of students who really stood out I, and I am deeply saddened by her premature passing.

Jacques C. du Plessis

August 18, 2020

I loved her keen mind and eagerness to engage and serve. She was very easy to be a friend with and I enjoyed her company. She is the type of person you do not forget. This was very sad to hear about her passing, as well as other family members. My sincerest condolences to you all. She was special and she left a positive impact on many.

Agnes Williams

August 18, 2020

Megan was an indomitable spirit, fueled by a strong faith in God and the belief in the humanity of all people. She was a ray of hope and a blessing to classmates who struggled to learn statistics. I am grieved by her sudden transition and that of her father and son, Evan. I pray God's strength for son Phillip, the Haak and Gutter families.

Marilyn Patterson-James

August 11, 2020

Marilyn Patterson-James and Arthur James offer our support and prayers to the Gutter and Haak family. May God be our strength and peace.

Holly Szablewski

August 7, 2020

My deepest condolences to Megan’s family and friends. I live a couple of doors down from Megan and she’d always have a cheery hello for me and a pat on the head for my dog. She was always so friendly and always smiling. She will be missed.

Anthony Sanneh

Sent Flowers

Stevie Noguchi

August 4, 2020

I met Megan through my work at CETL at UWM. She was one of the lovliest, most vibrant, intelligent, and loving people I've ever worked with, known, or called friend. My deepest sympathies to her family, whom I'd only ever heard her talk about with extreme pride, warmth, and love.

Jennifer Jordan

August 4, 2020

I am writing as the Chair of the Department of Sociology at UW-Milwaukee, to share our deepest condolences to Megan's family and friends. We are proud to count her among our alumni, and devastated to hear this news. For me personally, Megan was a phenomenal mentor in her position at CETL as I moved one of my courses online several years ago. She was patient, knowledgeable, and good-humored. Please know you are all in our thoughts, and we are grateful for the time we had with her.

Ellie Bradish

August 3, 2020

My deepest condolences go out to Megan's family, friends, and coworkers. She will be remembered and sorely missed.

Chris Cooley

August 1, 2020

I first met Megan in 2014 when I joined UWM's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. She was a close friend and mentor to me, and a source of support during stressful times at work. We used to joke in the office that she had her own "fan club" -- a large number of faculty that specifically asked for Megan's help with course design questions -- but it was the truth; Megan touched all the lives around her, and she always went above and beyond to help. Frankly, without the assistance of Megan, Philip, and Evan, I would not have finished my dissertation.

Megan was incredibly strong, perceptive, brilliant, welcoming, and generous, and always filled with positive energy no matter the challenge. One only had to see by the character and achievements of Philip and Evan that Megan was also a loving, supportive mother as well. I will miss her and Philip terribly.

Evan, be strong, try to focus on the good memories (as hard it is right now), and know that I'm grieving right along with you.

--Chris

Zoe Valtierra

July 31, 2020

I met Megan through her youngest sister Abby when we were in middle school, which was almost 17 years ago. From the moment I met Megan, she was so full of life and love. She was 14 years older than Abby and I, but was such a kid at heart! Every time I came over to the Haak house she would hang out with us, play games, gossip about our high school class mates, and make home movies with us. Not only was she Abby’s sister, she was also a friend, and I’m so grateful to have had her in my life. She was the kindest, most open, loving and accepting person I have ever met.
I ended up moving out of state after high school, but every time I came back she would be so happy and excited to see me, asking about life and being just so supportive. I’m going to miss her so so much.

Laurie Hein

July 30, 2020

I worked with Megan in both graduate and undergraduate medical education at MCW. She was so full of life and positive energy. I loved how she always found time to chat with me regardless of how busy we both were. She was a true supporter of me and often provided me the extra boost I needed to accomplish my goals. I will truly miss our phone calls and visits.

I wish my deepest condolences to all of her family. I wish you all peace and the strength you need to say goodbye to not only Megan but her beautiful son and father. My heart is with you.

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