Haas, Norman Edward. June 6,1939 – December 23, 2020
Norman (Norm) Haas, 81, Green Bay, WI and Peoria, AZ died on December 23, 2020. He was born on June 6,1939 in Racine, WI to Edward and Carolyn (Reichert) Haas and was brother to 10 siblings. Norm graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, WI and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Finance from St. Norbert College in 1962. Norm is a veteran of the U.S. Army having served 1962-64. He married Ruth Ann Liebmann on June 6, 1964 and was the proud father of Alicia (Lissa), Eric, and Pamela (Pam). Norm spent much of his career in a family business, Metal Parts Corporation, owned and operated by his father and several siblings.
Norm succumbed to complications from COVID-19. His unwavering faith in God, support of family and friends, positive disposition, and pragmatic perspective sustained him throughout several health challenges he experienced later in his life and gave his family confidence he departed with a sense of joy and peace, as he unites with our Father above.
His greatest love was time spent with his wife, Ruth Ann, and fun memory-making at family gatherings with his extended Haas family and his children and grandchildren. His humor, wit, and gregarious personality made Norm the life of every party. He never met a card game he didn’t enjoy, a fine cigar unable to smoke, a perfectly made Manhattan not to sip, a round of golf unplayed with his friends, or a Green Bay Packers game (and nearly any other sport) not to cheer. For many years, he enjoyed annual family camping trips and jaunts to Las Vegas with his wife, siblings, and friends. These occasions were home to his favorite treats: Racine kringles, Wells Brother’s pizza, Mom’s chicken and potato salad, juicy steaks on the grill, and any yummy sweet. Often found with his nose in a good mystery book, he enjoyed relaxing outdoors and chitchatting with passersby. In the summers, he always looked forward to his annual Canadian fishing trips, where the stories were as big as the fish!
Norm was extremely proud of his wife’s accomplishments as a mother, music teacher, and choral director. In support of her endeavors and their goals for providing meaningful community service, Norm spent many years on stage in sketches for the annual Cardiac Capers fundraiser shows in Racine, WI and supported Ruth Ann as she directed their parish choirs. He was an active Sacred Heart Catholic Parish (Racine, WI) and St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish (Waupun, WI) parishioner. As a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, Norm was the Grand Knight of the Waupun, WI Council for many years. He also served his Greater Racine and Waupun, WI communities as an active Rotarian and volunteered his service to many other Catholic charity causes.
Norm was extremely proud of his children, all of whom are happily married with families of their own, graduated college, earned subsequent graduate degrees, and went on to run businesses and/or serve as leaders in academia. He enjoyed every moment of watching his grandchildren grow, learn, and develop into young adults who share his and Ruth Ann’s core values of love, honesty, compassion, faith, empathy, and a strong moral compass.
Norm is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, who cherished her husband, his love and support, and their impenetrable partnership; their children Lissa (Tom) Marth, Eric (Stacia) Haas, and Pam (Art) Gerstner, who deeply loved and respected their father; his grandchildren Jessilyn Marth, Alex Marth, Christian Haas, Keaton Haas, Howie Gerstner, and Charlie Gerstner who enjoyed every moment learning from and having fun with grandpa; his sister, Bernadette (Alvin) Morrow; his brother, Daniel (Marlene) Haas; his sisters-in-law Barbara (Richard) Kelly, Yvonne Haas, and Laurine Haas; his brother-in-law Lawrence Jansen; and his many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Edward and Carolyn (Reichert) Haas; father and mother-in-law Leonard and Ruth (Fox) Liebmann; siblings Audrey Haas, Gregory (and Elaine) Haas, Gerard Haas, John Haas, Germaine (and Foy) Brigman, Diane (and Joseph) Cook, Rosemary Jansen, Marjorie (and Richard) Malko; his brother-in-law Michael Liebmann, and several nephews and close friends.
Norm will be missed by all who knew him. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, friend, and mentor. Norm had the biggest heart and was an exceptional listener, compassionate father and friend, and was able to see the bright side of any challenging situation. We always had a lesson to learn and a silver lining to experience.
Our family thanks all of Norm's family members, closest friends, and neighbors who have been serious prayer warriors and unwavering supporters during this difficult time. You have been by our side through it all, and we know you will continue to be there for us. You don't know how much we treasure those encouraging texts, calls, food deliveries, house care, emotional support, or just providing an ear for listening.
We are grateful for so many knowledgeable, compassionate and skilled medical professionals for Norm’s care. The entire family thanks the physicians, nurses, and staff at Arrowhead Hospital in Peoria, AZ who provided exceptional care and used every tool they had in their kit. They took our calls, provided comprehensive information and communication, and honored Dad’s and our wishes at a time when we couldn’t physically be at his side due to safety protocols during this pandemic. Lastly, we know Norm was grateful and honored to have so many prayers of support from his family, friends, and faith communities in Racine, Waupun, and Green Bay, WI and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Peoria, AZ.
A Catholic Funeral Mass and Interment will occur in Green Bay, WI in 2021 at a time when we can safely gather and celebrate his life with extended family and friends, as Norm would wish. Online condolences can be provided at Menke Funeral Home’s website in Peoria, AZ, or condolences can be sent directly to Norm’s family.