1948-2021
Gary V. Haas, age 72, of Hastings, MN, passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2021. He will be laid to rest at Fort snelling National Cemetery in a private family service.
Gary was born on September 13, 1948 to Genevieve (Knoll) and Mathias Haas, the fourth of six children.
Gary attended St. Boniface School through eighth grade and went on to attend Hastings High School. During his high school years, Gary was a member of the Varsity Baseball and Varsity Hockey teams. He graduated in the class of 1966.
In 1968, Gary enlisted in the United States Army. After his basic training and AIT training, he was sent to Vietnam where he proudly served his country from December 1968 to December 1969. Gary Earned two Bronze Stars for Meritorious Service in a combat zone during his service there.
After he returned home, he met the love of his life, Veronica “Nikki” Krier. They were married on May 20, 1972. In April of 1974, they welcomed their son Andrew, and in August of 1976 they welcomed their daughter Angel, who completed their little family.
Gary was employed by Peavey (later ConAgra) flour mill in Hastings from April 1971 to April 1996. He then was employed by Renewal any Anderson Windows until his retirement in 2011.
Gary always enjoyed many sports, both watching and participating, baseball, softball, bowling, all of which he did well! He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping most of his life.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sister Kathleen Maaske. He is served by his loving wife of nearly 49 years Nikki, son Andrew (Kathryn) Haas, and daughter Angel Haas; siblings Kennth Haas, Lawrence (Dorothy) Haas, Laurine (Mike) Ellsworth, Steve (Sandy) Haas and brother-inlaw Richard Maaske; grandchildren Cheyenne Weiland, Griffin Haas, Thomas Frias, Travis Frias, Nicholas Weiland and Mathias Weiland. Gary is also served by many nieces, nephews and extended family.
A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned for Sunday, June 6 at Lake Isabel Park in East Hastings, a favorite place of Gary during his childhood. The Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m., to share memories, food and drink in honor of Gary “Blackie.”
