Richard F. "Dick" Haynak Sr.

1958 - 2025

Richard F. "Dick" Haynak, Sr., age 89 of Clare, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. On September 19, 1936, Dick was born the son of Frank and Josephine (Gibis) Haynak. Dick was united in marriage to the love of his life Jean Wood on August 23, 1958, and together they shared four children and sixty-six cherished years until Jean's passing in October of 2024. Dick was a lifelong resident and champion of Clare. Many will remember Dick's friendly nature and service over his forty-plus years serving the community as a meat cutter for his self-operated Jackson's Market and Giant Way Foods-which later became Witbeck's Grocery. Dick loved his community and was a friend to everyone in it: he served on the Clare Fire Department for twenty-four years and held every office including five years as acting Chief; he served eighteen years on the Clare County Road Commission; he served multiple terms as a City Commissioner-serving as Mayor for part of that time; and he worked for the Clare Auto Auction for many years. In his retirement years, Dick enjoyed deer hunting and playing the part of the meat cutter for the H. & H. Buckshit Ranch (his 40acre hunting parcel in Lake George) and serving as the "self-appointed" Mayor of Five Lakes, where he had every bass and bluegill personally named. He never missed an opportunity to make others feel welcomed and appreciated, and his kindness and honesty will be missed by many.
Dick is survived by three children Dewey (Kim) Haynak, Kim (Boot) Mashue, and Kelly (Larry) Edwards, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and his sister Veronica (Stewart) Murie. Dick was preceded in death by his wife Jean Haynak, his son Richard "Dickie" Haynak, Jr., his grandson Casey Haynak, his twin brother Robert (Jeraldine) Haynak, and his parents Frank and Josephine Haynak.
In keeping with Dick's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will take place with fireman's honors in the St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery of Clare, where Dick will be laid to rest with his wife Jean and son Dickie. Memorial contributions in honor of Dick are encouraged to the Clare Fire Department Equipment Fund and online condolences and memories may be shared on Dick's tribute page at www.stephenson-wyman.com