Ronald John Haas

Born August 8, 1940 to the late John and Gertrude (Stoll) Haas, Ron was a 1958 graduate of Regis Catholic High School, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-- Eau Claire where he launched a lifelong career as a teacher and school administrator.

While attending the University of Wisconsin, Mr. Haas earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1966 and his Master's in Teaching in 1967. His most important accomplishment while at the university, however, was winning the heart of his future bride, Cynthia (Clement) Haas, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. She survives.

The couple married on August 14, 1966 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. With Master's degrees in hand, the newlyweds headed east to begin a new life together as teachers at East Detroit High School in Eastpointe, Michigan.

During the first dozen years of his career, Ron taught math and continued his graduate studies while teaching at East Detroit. It was his passion for growth and development that led Ron to earn an Educational Specialist degree from Eastern Michigan University (1973), and ultimately his Doctor of Education in curriculum from Wayne State University (1978).

In 1980 Dr. Haas pivoted from the classroom to school administration when he accepted a position as Assistant Principal at Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township, Michigan. He dedicated the remainder of his career to Chippewa Valley Schools, where he advanced to principal of Iroquois Middle School, Executive Director of Secondary Education, and eventually Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum.

A natural leader, Ron was also a lifelong learner and advocate for what is best for all kids. During his time at Chippewa Valley, Dr. Haas led countless initiatives to foster high quality curricular and co-curricluar programs to benefit all students. Beyond his work within the district, Ron was also a leader in the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, having earned the Outstanding Service Award (1988) for his work as a member of the Executive Board.

In 1997, Ron embraced new opportunities as he began a 26-year retirement from public education. Together with his wife of 56 years, they enjoyed winters in Naples, FL and summers in St. Clair Shores, MI. For 23 of those years they have lived at Wyndemere Country Club where Ron was a well-respected member and served on the Executive Board (2008-2010).

A student of golf, Ron was a skilled player who enjoyed the challenge of the game as much as the fellowship of other golfers. He was always looking for opportunities to play a round or simply practice the game. He was the Wyndemere Senior Club Champion in 2010 and 2012 and won his flight in 10 Livingston Club Tournaments.

When he wasn’t on the golf course, Ron enjoyed traveling and fishing with his wife Cynthia and spending time with his three children and their families. Among his favorite activities was watching his grandchildren participate in sports, theater, and other extracurricular activities.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John H. (Kelly) Haas of St. Clair Shores, MI; daughters Kristina (Brady) Smekens of Warren, IN, and Laura (Lee Trollope) Comilla of Libertyville, IL; 6 grandchildren, Sophia Smekens, Andrew Smekens, Sydney Smekens, Grace Comilla, Lina Haas, and Alida Comilla; a sister, Sherry (Chuck) Holman, of Tucson, AZ; a nephew, Matthew Holman and 2 nieces, Marisa (Dusty) Saunders and Marlena Holman.

Visitation will occur at Kaul Funeral Home (St. Clair Shores) on Monday, May 15 from 4-7pm, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 7pm. On May 23 a funeral mass will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire, Wis. Burial will be in the Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery in Brackett, WI, where he will join five generations of the Haas family.

Preferred memorials are to Avow Hospice of Naples (avowcares.org) or Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation (chippewavalleyschools.org).

Friends can send online condolences to the family at kaulfuneralhome.com.