Henry J. Haas Sr.

1936 - 2019

Henry “Hank” Haas Sr., age 82, of Marion (formerly of Franksville, WI) passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 at his home.

Henry James Haas was born on December 24, 1936 in Racine to James and Jeanette (Peters) Haas. He attended St. Rita’s Catholic School and was active in the parish serving as an altar boy for many years and also sang in the all boys’ choir.  Henry then attended Horlick High School in Racine where he met his high school sweetheart Charlene M. Fehlberg and they were joined in marriage on July 14, 1956 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.

During his school years Hank helped on the family farm and when he was of age, he drove milk truck picking up milk at the local farms. After marriage the couple resided in Franksville where he worked for Wisconsin Natural Gas as a pipeline welder and he worked his way up to a foreman. During this same time, he served as a part time Police Officer for the Village of Caledonia, Racine County.

Hank retired from the gas company in 1980 and the couple settled in rural Marion where he got back into farming, raising crops, and pigs.  He also was employed for Mueller Pipeline for a few years as an operations manager traveling to different parts of the country until health problems forced him to leave that job and stay closer to home.

Hank was a member of the Dupont Volunteer Fire Department and the Dupont First Responders. He loved hunting, fishing, and took great pride in his garden.  The couple enjoyed serving food at the Waupaca County Fair for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Charlene; three children, Jeff (Donna) Haas of Marion, Henry (Stephanie) Haas Jr. of Slinger, and Michele Haas Linberg of Marion; and a son-in-law, Darrell Mentink of Marion. There are six grandchildren, Reanne (Mark) Maney, Stephen (Brittany) Haas, Fr. Ryan Starks, Jaime (Greg) Rieck, Jeremy Osborne, and Michael (Laurie) Gemmell. There are seven great grandchildren, Malachi and McGregor Matz; Adelyn, Elena, Isla, and Orin Maney; and Sutton Haas.  There is one great-great granddaughter, Averie Mae Matz.  There are five siblings, Elaine (Joe) Janicek of Clintonville, Ron (Sue) Haas of Clintonville, Joanne (Roger) Obrien of Marion, Kathy (Joe) Sanders of Stevens Point, and Jim (Dawn) Haas of East Troy. He is further survived by an aunt, Jane Haas; and special friends, Marilyn Christensen and Jeanette Mason, all of Racine.  Hank is also survived by good friends, Ana and Mikala Rivera of New London; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Judith Mentink, an infant son Steven, a sister Judy Haas; and dear friends Jim, Cory, Robby, Willie and numerous other relatives and friends.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Caledonia. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family. An online guestbook may be found at www.beil-didier.com.