Jay Burton Haka
May 6, 1933 –January 14, 2025

Jay Burton Haka, a beloved husband, father, and community leader, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025 at the age of 91. Born on May 6, 1933, in Sycamore, Illinois, to Jack and Eloise Haka, Jay lived a full and accomplished life marked by dedication to his family, community, and country.

Jay graduated from Sycamore High School in 1951, where he excelled both academically and athletically, earning the honor of Co-MVP in football his senior year. He continued his education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he met his first wife, Julie Eggert. They married and soon after, Jay deployed to Japan with the U.S. Navy as an Ensign. During their time overseas, they welcomed their sons Joel and Josh. Upon returning to Sycamore, the family grew with the births of Justin and Jack.

Jay was the proud owner of B.B. Distributors, a business founded by his grandfather, B.J. Nelson, in 1933. Under Jay's leadership, the company expanded and became a cornerstone of the community.

In 1988, Jay married Lana Fredrick, with whom he shared more than 37 joyful years. Their love was abundant for each other and their combined 6 children, their spouses, and 17 grandchildren that they shared. Jay and Lana were well known for inspiring family vacations for more than 31 people that encouraged the parents, cousins, and siblings, to make lasting memories and share experiences that would bind them together. Jay was a known trickster, who very deeply loved his wife, and quick-witted responses. He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan, and closet Green Bay Packers fan, who loved sports and funny email jokes. He once provided a live chicken inside a box as a wedding gift for a friend. For Christmas Gifts, he would provide wooden puzzle boxes that were difficult to determine how to open, and laughed with the smallest of recipients when they were able to succeed.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Lana; her children Bryan Fredrick (Margaret Peterson) and their 3 children and 4 grandchildren; Suzanne Wilder (Bill) and their 4 children and 6 grandchildren; Jay's sons Joel Haka (Megan) and his 3 children and 5 grandchildren; Josh Haka (Mary Morgan) and their 3 children and 4 grandchildren; Justin Haka (Jill) and his 3 children and 3 grandchildren; Jack Haka (Lisa Silao) and his son.

Jay's legacy of love, leadership, and service will be honored by a visitation at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4PM to 7PM, and the church service at the Sycamore United Methodist Church at 11AM on Saturday January 18, 2025.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Sycamore Vets club from 1PM-4PM Saturday January 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shriners International Hospitals or the Scottish Rite Hospitals.

Jay will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com