James Francis Haas

James Francis Haas, 77, of La Crosse, died on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. He was born on January 11, 1934 in La Crosse to Clem and Emma (Freismuth) Haas. Living independently in his own apartment the last several years meant the world to Jim. He gained that independence thanks to the support and loving care he received from his family, especially his brother Donny who was his guardian and care giver for many, many years. Jims most prized possessions were his wrist watches, rings and belt buckles. He enjoyed listening to country music and watching Clint Eastwood and John Wayne movies and the Green Bay Packers on TV. Jims happiest memories were from his time at St. Colettas School in Jefferson, WI where the nuns taught him to read, write and play the piano.

Jim is survived by two sisters-in-law, Margaret Haas and Betty Haas, his nieces and nephews, Patty (Glenn) Wolf, Jerry (Mary) Haas, Sandy Klevin, Tom (Jane) Coughlin, Nancy (Terry) Schmidt, Dan (Jill) Coughlin, Mike (Ann) Coughlin, Pat (Kerry) Coughlin, Paula (Jim) Bantle, Sue (Steve) Anderson, Linda (Bob) Wieman, Cheryl (Tom) Leonard, Tim (Tara Johnson) Padesky, and Mickey (Bjorn Jacobson) Padesky, and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his six brothers and sisters and four of their spouses, Leonard (Blanche) Haas, Evelyn (Thomas) Coughlin, Russell Haas, Robert Haas, Jeanette Padesky, and Donald Haas.

Jims family wants to thank the many people who helped take cared for him, including the ICU, Surgical, and Emergency Department staffs of Mayo Clinic Health System, Western Wisconsin Cares, and Comfort Keepers, particularly his buddy Amos.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 26th, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Interment will take place at a later date in the Catholic Cemetery