Norm Haas, 98

Norman Hugh Haas died on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the age of 98.  He came into this world on September 18, 1924. and was the first-born son of Paul and Vivian Haas. Raised in Mendon, he enjoyed a childhood of love, learning, and mischievous adventure with his two sisters and five double cousins.

He had many accomplishments throughout his 98 + years. He wrote this when referring to his biggest and best – “Number one, and the easiest was raising my 7 children. Their good looks, and brains were mostly good luck, but I’d love to take credit for some of it. My greatest happiness is seeing my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren happy, successful, and a credit to their family. My near perfect family have been, and are, a joy to me beyond description. I believe part of the reason I love my family is because they love each other, are tolerant, understanding, and forgiving. I believe these are the qualities that make happy, functional families who love and respect each other and their parents. All this I learned from my Dad and Mother, the Bernard Haas family, the LaBombard family, and my two wives, Genevieve and Ana.”

Norm graduated from Mendon High School in 1942. He enrolled in the University of Michigan that same fall. There he played clarinet in the U of M marching band, and briefly studied engineering. But he was only there a short time when World War II beckoned his service. He was a proud Navy SeaBee in the South Pacific from July 1943 to April 1946. Shortly after returning home, he met his first wife, Genevieve LaBombard. They were married in February of 1947. Together they had four children-Paul, Don, Gary, and Barbara.  Genevieve passed away in March of 1961.

Shortly after he married Genevieve, Norm continued his college education at Western Michigan University and Tri State, graduating with BS degrees in Mechanical and Administrative Engineering. This prepared him for his second-best accomplishment – The Haas Corporation. “Haas Corp was one of my great loves and a big part of my life from 1930 til shortly after we sold it. My Dad, double cousins Ted, Carroll, Art, and myself helped build it from a chicken coop and car barn, to one of the best plastics companies, and best places to work, in the custom plastic molding business. We all worked there from childhood to adulthood.”  He didn’t stop there. Throughout his adult life he brought the same desire to serve he felt during the war, into his service to his family and community. He served as mayor of Mendon for 5 years. He is proud of this service, and maintained his desire to urge progressive improvements among his community, throughout his life. Norm continued this drive to serve his community when he helped bring Glen Oaks Community College to St Joe County.  He was elected as the first president of the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in hiring the first president, administration and faculty.  The college coined him the “Father of Glen Oaks” and honored him with the Fellows award in 2019.

Norm was a member of Kiwanis Club and served as President for several years. He enjoyed being a part of and performing in the Kiwanis Showboat fundraiser every year. Music was a big part of his life and he played a mean clarinet, and a hoppin’ piano- all by ear. When playing his clarinet in Showboat, he often got carried away, breaking into an improvisational song, resulting in his being carried out by fellow performers.  He met and fell in love with his second wife, Ana, at Showboat rehearsals. They married soon after and had three children together- Cyndi, Brenda, and Nikki.  Throughout his life, Norm wore many hats. He worked his way up to President of Haas Corporation. After he “retired” from Haas Corp, he spent the next 30 years working as a Real Estate Broker, Business Consultant, part owner of Whistle Stop Restaurant, part owner and mentor at Sound Machine Studios, and part time instructor at WMU. His last job was working as a time management consultant and mentor for Pro Co Sound from 1985-1999. He quickly earned the title of Cheerleader. Norm’s sincere enthusiastic optimism was contagious. His dear friend, Charlie Wickes, owner of Pro Co Sound, even had business cards printed up for him, with Cheerleader listed as his title.  After retirement, Norm enjoyed his life, sharing his love, wisdom, and humor with family and friends. He will be remembered as the smartest, best looking, most loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, his loved ones could ask for.

Norman is survived by six children, Paul (Roberta) Haas of Plainwell, Don (Midge) Haas of St. Charles, MO, Barbara (Paul) Hornacek of Three Rivers, Cyndi (Steve Richards) Haas of Vicksburg, Brenda (Steve Morgan) Haas of Flint, and Nicole (Jay) Asher of Mattawan; fifteen grandchildren, Genevieve (Neil) Poglese, Michael Haas, Norman (Gillian) Cupp, Ted (Tabatha) Cupp, Katie (Nate) Bagley, Robby (Erin) Haas, Michaelene (Anthony) Jester, Lucy (Kristin Trachet) Rumery, Kacey (Jacob) Jester, Brian Jester,   P.J. (Jenny) Hornacek, Dr. Nicholas (Henna) Asher, Eston Asher IV; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Bunce; nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents; wives Genevieve and Ana; son, Gary; and sister, Phyllis Shearer. The family would like to thank Tina Wilson for all her care and compassion for Norman over the past few years.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Friday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where the Rosary will be recited at 7 pm.  The funeral mass will be 12:00 noon Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon with Rev. Msgr Thomas Martin officiating.  Burial will be in St. Edward Catholic Cemetery. It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to either St. Edward Catholic Church, or to Glen Oaks Community College.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com