Fred F. Haas, age 79, a lifelong resident of Marion, died Monday evening, November 21, 2011, at the Marion General Hospital following a three year battle with cancer.
On September 10, 1932, Fred was born in Marion, one of three children of the late Fredric and Sylvia (Roesch) Haas. He graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1950.
Shortly following graduation, Fred was drafted to serve in the U. S. Army Air Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Korea and served as a radio operator, earning several medals including the Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars.
Upon his honorable discharge, Fred returned to Marion and was introduced to the love of his life, Ruth Hindman, through mutual friends. Soon thereafter they were married on February 12, 1956, at the Prospect Street United Methodist Church. Together they shared over fifty five wonderful years of marriage, and lovingly raised five children.
For 42 years, Fred was dedicated to the Marion Plant of Quaker Oats, where he worked as a foreman in their maintenance department. He retired in 1992. Since then, he has enjoyed being a part of the Quaker Oats Old Timer’s Club, and the Wednesday morning Quaker Oats Retiree’s Men’s Breakfast. After retirement, he was a driver for McDaniel Automotive.
A man of integrity and deep faith, Fred has been a pillar of the Prospect Street United Methodist Church, where he has been a lifelong member. Over the years he has been active with the Trustees, the Administrative Board, the Friendship Class, the Men’s Breakfast Prayer Group, and the Neighborhood Supper. He ran the sound system for many years at the church and each year helped lead the Parking Lot Committee for the Popcorn Festival. He was also a member of the Chapel Heights Memory Gardens Cemetery Board.
The word that best describes Fred would have to be dedicated. He was dedicated to his family, his church, his work, and his country. He could also be described as “goofy”, and as a man “who liked to have fun.”
Fred will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Ruth Haas of Marion; four children: Jeanne (Steve) Carpenter of Grafton, Judy (Pete) Stambazze, Keith (Kathy) Haas, and John Haas, all three of Marion; six grandchildren: Courtney (Mike) Bischof, Aaron Carpenter, Brandon (Courtney) Haas, Jared, Tyler, and Mallory Haas; a great-granddaughter, Lydia Grace Haas; a sister, Frances Bomberger of Pickerington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Alan Haas; a brother and sister-in-law, Dever and Bev Haas; and a brother-in-law, Bill Bomberger.
The Haas family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2011, at the Prospect Street United Methodist Church, 185 S. Prospect St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. , with Pastor Nancy Goulet officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens.
Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Prospect Street United Methodist Church in care of their parking lot fund or sound system fund.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Fred’s family, and condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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