Meyel “Buddy” Herman Haack Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 75 at his home in Vero Beach, FL on July 15th, 2026 after a brave 7-month battle with glioblastoma.

Though Buddy was born in Webster City, Iowa, in 1950, his fondest childhood memories took place in Jacksonville Beach, Florida after his family moved there in 1953. He attended and graduated from Fletcher High School in Jacksonville Beach when he wasn’t skipping class to go surfing and spend time at the beach.

Buddy earned his Associate’s degree from Florida State University and shortly after, moved to Ft. Lauderdale where he began a nearly 40-year career in yachting as a captain and in yacht sales. He moved to Vero Beach, FL in 2018 and transitioned his career to focus on shipyard and boat management, including opening and managing two shipyard operations across the east coast of Florida.

Buddy shared 30 years of marriage with Weronika Haack (Kedziora). They raised two daughters, Zofia and Julia, and created a lifetime of memories traveling the world and exploring Florida and various national parks across the US.

He lived a life full of adventure and continued to keep his friends and family on their toes with his many hobbies and interests, including competing in windsurfing, triathlon and cycling, flying an ultralight aircraft, hosting friends at his “party barn” in Groveland, Florida, singing Elvis and country songs on karaoke, and riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. When that wasn’t enough to keep him occupied, he also authored four books.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Weronika Haack; daughters Zofia and Julia Haack; sisters Faith Hoogs, Kathy Anderson, and Patty Loper (Lee Loper); and brother Mike Haack. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Lou and Meyel Herman Haack Sr. and sister Maryann Cornell (Clancy Cornell).”