Shirley Esther Hass

Shirley Esther Hass, age 88, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 29, 1925, in La Crosse, the daughter of John and Cecelia Helvig. Shirley grew up on the Helvig Dairy Farm where they delivered milk and eggs to local Southside La Crosse residents. Shirley was a graduate of Central High School. On August 15, 1948, she married the love of her life, Robert Hass. Together, they operated their own dairy farm until 1979. After retirement, she and Robert spent most of the winter months vacationing in Florida. In addition to raising their five children, Shirley was an active lifelong member of St Johns United Church of Christ in La Crosse. She was involved in many church activities including the Womens Guild. She enjoyed gardening, baking and traveling, highlighted by a trip to Europe. Shirley is survived by two sons, Tracey (Donna) Hass of Maiden Rock, Wis., and Randy (Susan) Hass of La Crosse; and three daughters, Susan (Terry) Guentner, Sally (Keith) Martin and Sara Hass, all from La Crosse. She is further survived by eight grandchildren; Clint Hass (Amanda Kelton and her daughter Tia) of Plum City, Wis., Jesse (Jennifer) Hass of Arkansaw, Wis., Melissa Heinig of Madison, Wis., Aaron (Kara) Hass, Kate and Claire Guentner, Ceilia and Gray Martin, all of La Crosse; seven great-grandchildren, Carrissa and Carson (children of Clint), Logan, Brianna, Hunter and Mason (children of Jesse), Aubrey and Drew (children of Aaron). She is also survived by one sister, Charmayne Tauscher of Barre Mills, Wis. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; sister, Charlotte Gollnick; brothers-in-law, Robert Gollnick, Marlin Tauscher, Carl Hass, and Donald Hass; and a nephew, Tom Gollnick. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 6th, 2014, at St Johns UCC, 630 West Ave. So., in La Crosse. Pastor John Parkyn will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4-6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 5th at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse, located at 200 West Ave. So., and again at the church from 10am until the time of services. Burial will be at the Trinity East (Kienholtz) Cemetery in rural La Crosse. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Johns UCC.