Dr. Ronald K. Haas, age 78, of Howards Grove, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday,
April 29, 2025, after a courageous and spirited battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ron was born in Racine, WI, on August 26, 1946, to the late Glenn E. Haas and Marianne K.
Haas. He attended William Horlick High School, graduating in 1964 with honors. He began his
lifelong love for music early on, by playing clarinet in several school and marching bands. His
enjoyment of music would continue throughout his adult years. He was for many seasons a
member of Sheboygan’s Lakeshore Chorale and made many life-long friends in the process. A
highlight of his time with the Chorale was a concert tour throughout Europe.
Ron received his bachelor’s degree from Knox College in Illinois. After graduation, Ron was
drafted into the U.S. Army and served on active duty as a military policeman. He went on to
pursue graduate education at Oklahoma State University, where he obtained a Ph.D. degree in
mathematics. In 1979, Ron returned to Wisconsin and began a dedicated teaching career at
Lakeland College (now Lakeland University), a span that lasted over 35 years. He retired in 2015
as Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science. Ron was a member of many committees at
Lakeland and taught a variety of innovative courses in the College’s General Studies
interdisciplinary program. He also created the college’s first computer science major and went
on to lead the Michael J. Devaney Math Meet in honor of his late colleague. The Haas family
made many good friends and have great memories of living for several years on Prof Row, the
neighborhood of faculty houses adjacent to campus.
In his personal time, Ron loved reading, watching movies, and listening to music. Science
fiction, westerns, and the 60’s were his favorite genres, and he leaves behind an extensive
collection of books, movies, and CDs that his family will enjoy in his memory. Family life was
spent camping with other Lakeland families, fishing, boating, shooting at the gun range, and
downhill skiing. Ron was also the beloved Papa to his granddaughter, Payton. During the winter
before his passing and while undergoing cancer treatment, Ron wanted to take one final ski trip
to experience the scenic runs he had enjoyed so often during his lifetime. His son Brooks
accompanied him on the outing.
Ron’s loving family and loyal friends will always have the memory of his sweet smile and jovial
laugh, his intellectual vigor, and the assurance that his love and support for them will last
forever.
Ron is survived by his children, Rachael (K.J. Griffin) Haas, Alyssa Haas, and Brooks Haas; his
granddaughter, Payton Griffin; his sister, Linda (Donald) Peterson, niece Jennifer (Clarence)
Bethea and nephew Jason (Amanda) Peterson; his ex-wife, Shelley Haas, former in-laws Shane
and Mike Upthegrove and nieces Ashley Fitzgerald and Chelsea (Nick) Casper; cousins, Sheila
Kading and Sandy Johnson; his lap kitties Tannen & Tibby; and many other relatives and
friends.
A Celebration of Life for Dr. Haas will be held May 24th at 11am at the Lakeland University
chapel, with a luncheon reception to follow at 12:30 at the Campus Center Event Space (2nd
floor of Younger Campus Center).
Memorial donations can be made in Dr. Haas’s name to the Lakeland University Math Club or
the Computer Science Department. Please
visit https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashneti/static/storefront/LAKELANDDONATION/catalog
for more information on donating to Lakeland University.
The family is grateful for the presence, compassion, and guidance received from the
professionals at the Sharon Richardson Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care, and Zimmer
Westview Funeral Home.
To leave an online message for the family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
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