Ann Haas

Thursday, May 23, 1912
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Age:
101 years old
Ann Haas
Ann Haas, age 101, passed away on March 29, 2014 at Madonna Towers of Rochester.
Esther Ann Petersen was born on May 23, 1912 in Lancaster, MN to William and Esther (Lindquist) Petersen. Ann graduated from Lancaster High School, and later the University of North Dakota. She taught at Columbia Heights High School, where she met her husband-to-be, J. Calvin Haas, a fellow teacher. They were married June 15, 1937 in Lancaster, MN. In the summers during WWII, the couple worked in Rochester at Reid and Murdock (later Libbys). In 1943, they bought a home in Rochester and Cal worked full time for the canning factory. Ann was a homemaker until her children were older. She was a Welcome Wagon hostess, and had a radio show. Ann went to Winona State University and received a Master’s Degree in counseling. She then taught at Oronoco and Kasson-Mantorville Schools. She retired as a counselor for Mayo High School. She did counseling for the Women’s Resource Center at the Rochester YMCA. She taught Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church for many years, and was very active in Girl Scouting. During retirement, Ann and Cal wintered in Panama City Beach, FL, where she took numerous photographs. When Cal died in 1999, she moved to Madonna Towers and lived there until her passing.
She is survived by her children, Bill “Red” (Judy) Haas of Rochester, Sue (Bob) Brown of Duluth, Jeff (Nancy) Haas of St. Cloud, grandchildren, Nat (Lisa) Brown, Eric (Heather) Haas, Lori Haas, Matt Haas, great-grandchildren, Maranda Haas, Ella, Andrea and Bo Brown, Lilly and Bethany Haas, Andrew and John Haas, a sister, Carly (Bob) Engwall of Minneapolis, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Cal, her parents and her sister Kay Lund.
A memorial service for Ann will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of Rochester with Rev. Jay Rowland and Rev. T.J. Parlette officiating. Visitation will be held one half-hour prior to the service. Ann and Cal’s ashes will be interred in the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium following the service.
The family wishes to thank all the people at Madonna Towers for all the support and love that was given to Ann while she lived there.
In Lieu of Flowers, memorials are preferred to the Rochester Area Family Y, or the Mayo Clinic study on Alzheimer’s.
Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Ann Haas has received the following condolences.
I remember Ann fondly as a good school supporter. In fact, both of your parents were good supporters. She lived a long, long productive life and you can be proud of her.
I may not be able to attend her service because I don't drive, but I wish to express my condolences to each of you. I hope all of you are doing well.
Bill, we were very sorry to hear about your mom. We know she lived a very long life, but that doesn't make it easier. We will see you and Judy when you get back into town. Sonny and Barb
Bill and Judy, we never had the pleasure of meeting Ann. Judy told me many stories about Ann - all good. I have to admit to being a little jealous of Judy's relationship with Ann. My mother-in-law is anti daughter in law to the max. From the stories, it is clear that Ann will be missed by the entire family. Our condolences to the family. Grief is hard but there is a process. First you cry because she is gone but then you remember all that she added to your lives and you smile because she lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through the process. Diane and Russ Moench
I was deeply saddened to read this. I had Mrs. Haas as a teacher in grade school in Oronoco. She has always been my favorite teacher. I will never forget her warmth and patience as a teacher. She was truly a blessing. My heart and prayers go out to her family at this time of their loss. I am sure she will be greatly missed. May God comfort you all during this time.
Our sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers at this time of loss.
To the family,
Ann was one of my counselors when I was a small child. I believe I saw her for 2-3 years back in the early 80's. I remember always feeling safe telling her anything. When I made the decision to move away she gave me one of my most prized possessions, Mr. Whisper. He is a blue puppet with big white eyes. She told me that whenever I needed to talk to someone I could talk to him. She is one of the biggest reasons that I made it through my parents divorce. And when I went through my own divorce years later I used the tools that she gave me to help my son. I often thought of Ann and am so grateful for all that she taught me. She was my confidant and good friend. She will be missed.
In my eyes Ann was the best. I wept when I heard of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow and heart break.
Thinking of you and sending my sympathy and hugs to all of you. Grandma Ann was such an incredibly strong woman and really made a mark on everyone she touched--she was so ahead of her time! Smile when you think of her. :)
Miss Gail
Bill, Cookie & Jeff,
I loved your mom! It is with great pleasure that I remember her today for her roles as mother and Girl Scout leader. We won't forget the fun we had with Essie Hass - ever. I wish I were closer and could join you at First Presbyterian as you say goodbye, but I'll be there in spirit, congratulating your mother on a life well lived ! Love, Jane
Lori and Maranda,
My thoughts are with you today.
Your gram was an amazing person and will live in your heart forever.
Love, Jeri
Michele and I extend our deepest condolences to you all--Bill, Susan, Jeff and your families. Your mother was a very special person, and she was special to me, too. She was generous and friendly and very family-oriented. I always looked forward to our visits to 1022 5th Avenue Southeast and to your family coming up to Lancaster. I was always delighted with the gifts I got from your mom when I was a kid. She was a very thoughtful person who spent a lot of time thinking of others. We plan to see you all at the funeral.
Our love,
Buck and Michele