Obituary of Gerald F. Haas

Gerald F. Haas Age 79 of Greenwood, formerly Thorp, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 while his wife and family gathered around him. The care for Gerald and his family was provided by the wonderful staff at House of the Dove in Marshfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Friday, October 23, 2015 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwood. Rev. Steven Brice will officiate. The committal service will take place privately at a later date. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday at the church in Greenwood from 9AM until time of services. The honor of pallbearers will belong to grandson Casey Haas, great-grandson Taylor Sankey, Andrew Schmollinger husband of granddaughter Jennifer, and Dennis Meyer husband of granddaughter Kelly. Gerald Firman Haas was born on August 29, 1936 in Thorp to Robert and Irene (Baures) Haas. Following his education, he worked for the Thorp Co-op. Gerald was united in marriage to Rita Gostomski on September 28, 1957 at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. In November of 1957 he purchased his folks farm and farmed for seven years and then sold the farm in 1964 and moved to the state of Washington. Gerald worked as a welder for a company making camper jacks. In February of 1971, they returned to Thorp and in September of 1971 he purchased his own welding shop in Greenwood. He owned and operated the welding shop and also drove school bus until 1982 when he sold the building, then began working for what was known as the Greenwood School District Bus Company as a bus mechanic and drove school bus until summer of 1995. He was a member of both Saint Mary's Catholic Church and Saint Mary's Church Choir. His hobbies included hunting, especially bow hunting, making wood, cooking maple syrup, and just loved puttering around the shed, working with his machines, welding and doing anything mechanical. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Rita Haas of Greenwood; his four children: Connie (friend Rob) Haas of Stevens Point, Cheryl (Tom) Franckiewicz of Medford, Michael (Lori) Haas of Stetsonville and Daniel (Rocio) Haas of Rockford, IL; his grandchildren: Mandy (Casey) Karch, Kimberly (friend Lance) Anderson, Jennifer (Andrew) Schmollinger, Kelly (Dennis) Meyer, Casey Haas, Brandie Haas and Brianna Haas; eight great-grandchildren and one step great- grandchild. He is further survived by one sister Therese Jenness of Thorp and one brother Richard (friend Mary) Haas of Thorp; other relatives; many friends and his canine companion "Cujoe" Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Irene; four brothers: Melvin, Arnold, William and Wayne and three sisters: Virginia, Marie and Coletta. If desired, memorials in Gerald's name are being accepted by the family to: House of The Dove in Marshfield. Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service-Spencer is assisting the family. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.