Paul Ole Haakenson, Sr

Paul Ole Haakenson, Sr., 78, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, March
29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania (formerly Philadelphia), Paul graduated from
Lower Merion High School in Ardmore. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served three years
in the Intelligence Corps at Fort McPherson, in Atlanta, Georgia, before being honorably
discharged. Over the years, Paul studied at Temple University, Rutgers University, and The
Georgia Institute of Technology. After serving his country, he remained in the Metro Atlanta area;
first in Tucker, and then finally residing in Johns Creek. He enjoyed a successful career in sales
in the automotive aftermarket industry.

In his later years, Paul developed a love for the game of tennis and enjoyed playing ALTA and
USTA for his neighborhood, Parsons Run, on men’s and mixed doubles teams. When not
playing tennis or doting on his wife, Danelle, Paul could be found volunteering at the local
hospital. He was a trivia buff and an avid sports fan. His love for Penn State football will forever
be remembered, as evidenced by his ever-present navy PSU sweatshirt!

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Edith and Alvin Haakenson, his half-brother Bruce
McNeill, and his first wife, Penelope Heeth Haakenson. He is survived by his widow, Danelle
Germino V. F. Haakenson of Johns Creek, two sons, Paul Ole Haakenson, Jr. (Ludivina) of
Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Kent M. Haakenson of Alpharetta, as well as three stepchildren,
W. Franklin Vashaw, Jr. (Carla) of Suwanee, Daniel H. Vashaw (Brenda) of Brunswick, and
Meredith Foulke Rand (Michael) of Marietta. Paul also leaves behind ten grandchildren and
step grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, May 6, 2023.