George Hass

One of a kind, there was no one quite like George Hass. George was a kind, loving and honest man whose integrity spoke volumes. He provided well for the family entrusted to his care, and there was no place he'd rather have been than in the company of those he so loved. Above all, George cherished his 68 years of marriage and the family with whom he received the greatest joy and blessings. Dearly missed, he leaves numerous memories to be treasured.

Forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions which greatly improved the culture of America. It was during these years known as the Roaring Twenties when Otto and Mary (Malok) Hass were blessed with the birth of their third son, George, born on January 17, 1921.

Delivered at home on the family dairy farm in the community of Montrose, Minnesota, George joined his older brothers, Joseph and Lenard. Growing up, he helped on the farm and enjoyed his share of adventure, too. Even though the Great Depression brought times of struggle, his grandpa always assured George he had everything a young boy needed. At the age of 12 he began "working out" on the other area farms for about a dollar a day. He went on to graduate from the local Montrose high school.

A large part of social activity offered back in the day were the many dances held. For a small admission, they were exciting to attend, and music was provided by a live orchestra. Many young men like George enjoyed attending, dancing the night away with sweethearts. On one such occasion, George met the young woman who would one day become his wife. Margaret Dressen and George often saw one another at the dances, but it wasn't until later did they begin dating.

George and his brother, Len decided to venture on their own. They traveled cross country, making their way to California where they found work in an aircraft factory. They remained there for two years, but in the meantime George's love grew for Margaret. He proposed, returned home and was then drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. With World War II underway, he and Margaret were soon married on June 22, 1944 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in nearby Waverly, Minnesota before he was shipped overseas to Austria where he proudly fought in the European Theatre.

Returning safely home to Margaret's awaiting arms at the war's end, he and Margaret soon began a family of their own, welcoming Judith and James. To support his family, George began working in 1947 for CNW, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad as a telegrapher. He worked in northern Illinois and Kenosha, Wisconsin for a time before being assigned to the Racine, Wisconsin station where he worked third shift. It was then, in October of 1949, when they moved and made Racine their home.

A hard worker and equally good provider, George was fortunate to say he never had a job he didn't like. However, his most important treasure was the love of family. He was involved in the lives of his children and took a genuine interest in their everyday activities. Many memorable holidays were shared, and he cherished family gatherings over the years, especially Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, holidays dear to his heart.

In 1959, after nearly 12 years with the railroad, George took a position as manager of worldwide travel for AAA, the American Automobile Association. He remained there for the following 23 years before eventually retiring in 1983. His work with AAA afforded the opportunity for travel. Throughout the years they traveled to destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe in which George led many tour groups. Additionally, they thoroughly enjoyed their trip to England to visit their niece, Colleen and her family, and to Spain where they spent time with their granddaughter, Jennifer who was studying abroad. Many trips visiting family and friends in Minnesota, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and California were enjoyed as well.

George relished his role as a loving grandfather. Quite the avid golfer, he taught his children and grandchildren to golf and spent numerous times doing so. He taught them well and to always play with integrity, counting every stroke along the way. He didn't pacify them with gimmies, and certainly no mulligans! He'd pick his grandkids up bright and early at six in the morning, sure to have frozen juice boxes in his bag to share. It was no secret that golf was George's favorite pastime.

For many years, George served as a ranger and starter at the course. He especially loved watching the young golfers improve their skills through the years. His family holds fond memories of the many treasured games played together and his endless encouragement. George's pleasure and joy was sharing his love of golf with those he loved. Some of his other hobbies included gardening, and when it came to sports, his interest included baseball, football and bowling, among others. In fact, for many years he coached youth baseball.

A charter member of the Rotary West Club, George served as their secretary and treasurer for many years and as past president of the Washington Park Senior Golf Club. He was an active member of St. Edward's Catholic Church, especially with the Athletic Association. For years he and Margaret played in various bridge marathons and at neighborhood centers. He enjoyed dominos and played weekly at his church. Dart ball was on his agenda every Tuesday evening and also once each week in the afternoon as a member of the St. Patrick Parish and Racine Recreation Department Dart Ball Leagues. With a heart for giving, George volunteered during the holidays and was a driver for the Meals On Wheels program for 20 years.

Family was the center of George's heart. He spent hours with his grandchildren attending their sporting events, recitals, concerts, and plays. He also transported them to many of their activities, appointments and helped out whenever needed. He even began collecting State quarters for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, having completed coin books for each. Each Christmas a dollar was given for every Christmas celebrated, and the taped dollar chain eventually grew until it was taller than any of them!

At the age of 90, George sadly passed away Saturday, August 27, 2011 at home.

There was no one quite like George Hass, nor anyone more loving, kind and honest to those who knew and loved him. Deeply missed, he will be lovingly remembered and held close in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He is lovingly survived by his loving wife, Margaret; children: Judith (Honorable Wayne) Marik, James (Nancy) Hass, all of Racine; grandchildren: Jennifer Marik (Kurt Gardner) of Brooklyn, New York, Peter (Maira) Marik of Wauwatosa, Dr. Patricia Marik of Milwaukee, Gina Hass of San Diego, California, Benjamin Hass of Oakland, California; great-grandchildren: Stefan George Marik, Lukas Marik, Margaret Gardner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, George was also preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph (Vera) Hass and Lenard (Harriet) Hass.

A Memorial Mass for George will be celebrated Thursday, September 8, 2011, 11:00 AM at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue with Rev. Allen J. Bratkowski and Rev. Richard J. Molter concelebrating. Relatives and friends may meet with his family Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM until time of the Mass at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of George and to sign his online guest book. His family is being served by the MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME - 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888. www.meredithfuneralhome.com.