Marie Theresa Haag

1944 - 2024

Marie Theresa Haag of Olpe, Kansas died on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia.  She was 80 years old.

Marie was born on April 18, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of John Jr. and Laura Dieker Redeker.  She married Charles Michael Haag on December 27, 1966, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olpe. 

Surviving family members include her husband, Charles Michael Haag of Olpe; son, Christopher Scott (Megan) Haag of Howard, Kansas; daughters, Jennifer Linn (Chris) Schmidt of Olpe, and Julie Ann (Nicholas) May of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ryker Schmidt, Damon Schmidt, Macy Haag, and Trent Haag; brothers, Donald (Pam) Redeker of Manhattan, Kansas, Larry (Rose) Redeker, Ken (Debbie) Redeker and Bob (Brenda) Redeker of Olpe; sister, Laurie Jean (Phil) Eichman of Manhattan; brother-in-law, Danny Schmidt of Emporia; sister-in-law, Kathy Redeker of Manhattan.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Margie Schmidt, and brother Mike Redeker.

Marie graduated from Olpe High School in 1962.  After high school, she graduated from Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology in Wichita.  She was a beautician at multiple salons in Emporia and operated her own in her home in Olpe.  After retiring from cosmetology, Marie took a job as a custodian for USD 252.  

Marie’s favorite job was homemaker.  She was known for her excellent food, and loved cooking for the many visitors that were always welcome in her home.  After retiring from USD 252, Marie spent many years volunteering to read and use her skills as a master storyteller for children at St. Joseph’s School, Olpe Elementary School, and Sacred Heart Elementary School.   Marie never met a stranger, and enjoyed bestowing her hugs on anyone who might need one.  She embodied the spirit of kindness and lit the world with her radiant smile and her skill for enabling people to always feel special in her presence.  

In addition to her volunteer work at the schools, Marie also belonged to the St. Ann’s Altar Society, Flying Needles, and the Home Demonstration Unit.  

The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Olpe.  A visitation will follow the Rosary.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 15, 2024, at the church with burial following at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  Memorial contributions to the Knights of Columbus or the St. Joseph’s Parish Life Center can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.