Wayne J. Haas

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Wayne J. Haas completed his earthly journey on November 8, 2025, at the age of 103. He is lovingly survived by his four daughters, Elaine (Mike) Klippert, Susan (Mark) Haring. Rosemary (Michael Melhus) Hartman, and Rita (Tom) Tracey, 9 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and sister, Lois (Lyle) Law. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Dorothy.

Wayne was born on the family farm in Washington Township and lived 96 years within two miles of his birthplace. He was baptized at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on May 21, 1922, and was a faithful Christian his entire life. As a boy he diligently worked on the family farm and learned the value of hard work and responsibility. During Wayne’s lifetime, farming evolved from working with a team of horses to Oliver tractors. Wayne was proud his father constructed a power plant of Delco batteries powered with kerosine to modernize the farm in the 1930’s, becoming one of the first farms in Carroll County to have electricity! Most of the hard work on the farm was done with manual labor and the Haas farm employed many hired men throughout the years. The hired men were always given a glass of wine with their noon time meal, “dinner”, and Wayne joined in the tradition. He fondly remembered making multiple 50-gallon barrels of homemade wine each year. During the last 5 years at Senior Care Wayne had one glass of wine before bedtime every night. He confidently said the doctor thought it should be part of his health plan.

Wayne was educated in a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade before attending Savanna High School. Once in high school Wayne excelled in his favorite class, Agriculture, and managed to pass the rest, graduating in 1940. Wayne remembered driving the Ridge Road, when it was a dirt road, picking up schoolmates along the way. At 103 years he could still recall who lived on each farm between Savanna and the Jo Daviess County line. He was truly one of the original” Ridge Runners”.

In the early 1940’s, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Randecker. They dated for several years until she gave him an ultimatum to marry her, or she would look for someone else! On June 8,1947 a beautifully imperfect perfect marriage was created. They shared a strong faith in God and complemented each other’s strengths. Their commitment to the Lord was the foundation of their family and they passed this legacy on to their four daughters. A family gathering and meal always included prayer to thank God for all his blessings.

Wayne enjoyed serving his community on both county and township boards. He was also a director for the Carroll County Farm Service Company. In 1972 Wayne and Dorothy began a family venture, the Black Angus Supper Club. With daughter Elaine and Mike as co-owners and Susie, Rosemary, and Rita filling in where needed, the Supper Club was very successful and a great sense of pride for Wayne. He recalled tending bar until late in the evening and dancing to Red Henton Band on many Saturday nights. The family sold the Black Angus in 1979, and Wayne found new ways to stay busy. He worked at Palisades State Park, plowed and maintained roads for Washington Township, grew a large garden every year, and enjoyed shuttling cars for Piper Chevrolet. He occasionally could be found “goofin,” but always had next year’s wood cut and ranked for the fireplace. Wayne was always available to help neighbors and family, along with caring for the Mosquito Hill Cemetery.

Playing cards, 500 or euchre, was a constant throughout his life. Over the last 5 years at the Galena Senior Care Center Wayne played euchre almost every day. He was never afraid to call a loner. The residents and staff at Senior Care became an extended family to the “Haas” girls. We appreciate the care and dignity he was given during his stay.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life and will not be judged, but has crossed over from death to life."

Wayne believed in God’s word and looked forward to being reunited with Dorothy, his parents Arthur and Emma (Rath) Haas, brother Allen (Jeanette) Haas, granddaughter Angela Hansen and grandson Aaron Klippert. May God Bless your souls.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 14, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Elizabeth, IL. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will occur at St. Peters Lutheran Cemetery in Savanna, IL. A memorial fund is being established. The family wishes to thank Midwest Senior Care Facility and Dubuque Hospice for their loving compassion and care.