STERLING – Elwin H. Haak, 88, of Sterling, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling  He owned Rock River Vendors for more than 40 years.

Elwin was born Nov. 1, 1923, in Jordan Township, the son of Carl and Winifred (Haines) Haak. He married Rita Ann Sullivan on Aug. 30, 1947, in Sterling. She preceded him in death on Sept. 24, 2008. Elwin served in the Army 298th Engineer Combat Battalion during World War II, was captured in France and held in Moosburg, Bavaria, until the end of the war. Elwin was a graduate of the SHS class of 1941. He enjoyed family, golf and travel, and had been active in many local civic organizations.

Survivors include four daughters, Sandy (Terry) Dell of Bettendorf, Iowa, Sally Stringer of Naperville, Dawn (Chris) Rosendall of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Debbie (Rick) Terry of Parrish, Fla.; one sister, Betty Zigler of Sterling; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.