Jack R. Haeffner

John “Jack” Raffaele Haeffner, age 84 of Collinsville, Illinois was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on November 9, 1940. Jack departed this life on October 28th, in Collinsville, Illinois. Jack was the former owner of “Jack’s Gulf Service” in the later 1960’s and went on to retire after 20 years of service as an automobile mechanic at Laura Buick. Jack was one of the original mechanics hired at Laura. He took special interest in teaching his three children the art of building engines, winning races, and shared the love of playing billiards with his daughter Dana. Jack attended S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church during his younger years, and was a member of the United States Army serving his country from October of 1962 to October of 1968.

Remaining to cherish Jack’s memory are his twin sons, Timothy John and Thomas Michael of Collinsville, Illinois and daughter Dana Sue Koch of Swansea, Illinois. Jack took part in many activities in his retirement years such as hunting ducks and geese, playing billiards, tinkering with classic cars, and spending time with family, friends and lifelong neighbors. Jack always enjoyed visiting Jodi up at The Shop for a fresh haircut and great conversation. Jack holds many fond memories in his heart of his beloved extended family member Steve, whom Jack looked at like another son. Jack spent 54 years hunting with his best friend, and childhood hunting buddy, Earl Tiemann. He enjoyed spending many hours in his back-yard, “Shabby Shack” making ducks calls using various woods from around the world. Jack loved cruising in his fully restored 1970 Buick GS 455 convertible. Jack was a true treasure and will be exceptionally missed by all those who knew and loved him. Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Judith Haeffner, his 1st born daughter Shanna, his mother, Ernesta Haeffner, father Robert Haeffner Sr. and brother Robert Lee Haeffner.

In lieu of flowers, Jack is requesting donations be made to the Collinsville Food Pantry. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 on Thursday, November 6th at Kassly Meridith Funeral Home in Collinsville, Illinois. Funeral service at Kassly Meridith Funeral Home on Friday, November 7th at 9 a.m.. Burial and interment will follow at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery. Reverend Myles Holmes officiating.

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.