Vincent Haas
Vincent A. Haas, 97, of Eau Claire, Wis., passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire, surrounded by family.
He was born on July 8, 1920, to Arthur P. and Helen (Johnson) Haas, in Eau Claire. He attended the 10th Ward School and graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1938.
Vince was a veteran of WWII, entering active service for the U.S. Army on Sept. 9, 1942. He served as a radio operator and combat infantryman with the HDQs Co, 2nd BN, 310th Infantry, 78th “Lightning” Division and attained the rank of S/Sgt. He participated in several battles in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 8, 1945, at Camp McCoy. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6711, Mondovi Legion Post 154, and Trempealeau County Voiture No 260, 40/8. He served as a past commander and chaplain for the VFW. Vince was also a lifetime member of the Mondovi Conservation Club.
After the war, Vince was employed at U.S. Rubber (Uniroyal) for 37 years, while also farming in Drammen, retiring in 1982. He married J. Noreen Werlein on Jan. 13, 1943 at Sacred Heart Church, in Mondovi. To this marriage, three children, Linda, Gregory and John, were born.
Vince loved to play golf, bowl, fish, hunt, and spend time at the lake. He also loved to entertain during the many potlucks over the years with their friends.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Noreen of Eau Claire; daughter, Linda Melgaard of Eau Claire; sons, Gregory (Bonnie) Haas of Mondovi and John Haas of Middleton, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Greg) Klevgard, Don Melgaard, Rebecca (Brad) Mueller, Robert (Lisa) Melgaard, Melissa (Joe) Frank, Matthew (Dawn) Haas, Adam Haas;15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Nogle, Pat Freund and Jeanette Werlein; brother-in-law, Howard Freund; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wallace Haas; sister-in-law, Helen Haas; two brothers-in-law, Art Nogle and James Werlein.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, in Mondovi, with Father Paul Bosco officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Riverside Cemetery with full military honors conducted by Mondovi American Legion Post 154. Visitation will from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Mondovi, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The family requests memorials to the Sacred Heart Church Basement Flooring Fund or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com.
