Joan Frances Haas

Joan was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 13, 1935. She was the older twin sister (by just a few minutes) to her sister Judy. The twins were the middle children born to Louis and Frances McNellis. Joan and Judy had an older brother Terry and a younger brother Tim. They were raised in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

She had fond childhood memories of fun times with her twin sister, two brothers, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was very proud of winning championships in both softball and basketball. She said that her family was happy and content with very little due to growing up during the depression. They all worked very hard to contribute to the household.

Joan married Sheldon (Shel) Haas on October 7, 1967. Shel was also born in Minnesota, so Joan knew that he was a good guy even though they met in California. They had two children, Daniel Edward was born in 1969 and shortly thereafter Kathleen Joan who was born in 1971.

After Shel retired early in 1989 due to cancer, the two of them enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Canada and various trips across the country with family. They were blessed to have these six years of retirement together to enjoy each other before Shel passed away in 1995.

Joan worked in office/secretarial jobs from 1953 – 1969 and then kept busy as a homemaker and working part-time in the church office once Dan and Kathy were older and in school. She was awarded an Honorary Service Award by the PTA of Walteria Elementary School for her volunteer work in the community. Joan enjoyed reading, sewing and crafts. She also enjoyed her service in the church and involvement in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). Grandma Joan was a tremendous help when her grandsons Hunter and Danny came along. She was a full-time sitter, part-time taxi, and knew where every soccer and baseball field were in the south bay. Her grandsons were her pride and joy!

Joan is survived by her son Dan, daughter-in-law JJ, grandson Danny, daughter Kathy, grandson Hunter, sisters-in-law Joan and Shirley, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her warm smile and loving spirit will be missed by many.