Jerry Haas

WESTBY Jerry Haas, age 73 of Westby, died at home surrounded by his loved ones, Thursday September 14, 2017. Gerald (Jerry) Michael Haas passed away at home surrounded by loving family on September 14, 2017 at the age of 73. He was born on January 7, 1944 to Leonard and Blanche (Barton) Haas in LaCrosse, WI. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1962 and then furthered his education at UW-LaCrosse with a business degree. Jerry joined the Navy from 1963-1967, and completed three tours to Vietnam aboard the ship USS Canberra. He was very proud of his time served in the military. Jerry worked for W. A. Roosevelt as a purchasing manager for many years and later retired from Ocean Spray in Tomah in 2007. Following his retirement, he worked at a variety of part-time jobs with his most recent job at Blackjack Auto in Westby, WI. Jerry loved playing golf. He owned and operated a driving range in the area in the 1990's, and spent many hours on the course. One of his highlights was getting a hole-in-one at Viroqua Hills. The Green Bay Packers were his favorite sports team and he was loyal to them always. Jerry was a very skilled card player and enjoyed playing with family and friends. After being diagnosed with COPD several years ago, Jerry lost the ability to do many of the things he loved to do, including singing for family events. In 2001, Jerry married Mary Semeizer (Hanson) and moved to Westby. He is survived by his wife, Mary, a son from a previous marriage, Jeffrey (Shannon) Haas, and one grandson Shawn Haas. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Chris Semeizer (Julie) and their children Lexi and triplets Allie, Brynn and Chloe from Independence, MN; Lori (Craig) Johnson and their children Ellen, Audra and Courtney from Westby. He is survived by a sister, Sandra Kevin of Seattle, WA; a brother-in-law Glenn Wolfe of LaCrosse; and numerous family members and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia Wolfe. Funeral Services for Jerry will be Tuesday September 19, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby at 11:00 A.M. Pastor John Dumke will officiate. Burial with full Military Honors will follow the service at Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery in Westby. Friends may call during a visitation at the church one-hour before the funeral service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to the Westby Fine Arts Auditorium Foundation. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St. in Westby is serving the family.