Dennis L. Haas

Dennis Lee Haas, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in the arms of his daughter. Dennis was born on July 15, 1942, in New Braunfels, Texas, to Roland and Lillian Haas. The oldest of four children, Dennis grew up in the family restaurant, The Dam Site Café, where he solidified a lifelong love of steak and potatoes. He was a member of the first graduating class of Canyon High School in 1960. After graduation, his first proud purchase was a 1962 black Chevy Impala convertible with red leather interior, bought right off the showroom floor. He put thousands of miles on that car either racing others down Seguin St, circling Walt’s Triangle and Super Dog or while traveling throughout a three-state area for the Army Corps of Engineers. In December 1967, Dennis married the love of his life, Leita Mae Bueche. After a brief stint in Fort Worth, the couple returned to New Braunfels to make it their permanent home. In addition to working for Bueche Furniture with his Father-in-Law, Dennis served in the Army National Guard and later became the owner of Mack’s TV Sales and Service on Landa Street, where he served the community for more than 30 years. In December 1971, Dennis and Mae welcomed their first daughter, Gina, into the world. With Dennis’s love of bowling, the new family of three spent many a night at Freiheit Bowling Club, as well as at many other nine-pin bowling clubs throughout the surrounding counties. He was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he enjoyed meetings, dinners, and many evenings of poker in the basement. In November 1978, Dennis and Mae welcomed their second daughter, Crystal, completing their family of four. In the early 1980s, the Haas family bought a motorhome and began a lifelong love of road travel. Over the next 30 years, they traveled to all 50 states and six provinces in Canada, all from behind the wheel of their RV. Their annual month-long family road trips remain some of their most treasured memories. In the summer of 1989, following a treasured trip to New York City, the Haas family experienced a heartbreaking loss with the death of their daughter Gina at just 17 years old. The memories of that final trip with her have been a source of peace over the years. As New Braunfels grew and chain stores came to town, Mack’s TV closed in 1995. Dennis then spent a couple of years as a school bus driver for New Braunfels ISD before beginning a second career as a truck driver with Brauntex Materials. He loved driving the backroads of the tri-county area, listening to radio talk shows, and visiting with customers. He loved it so much that he continued driving until an injury at age 81 forced his retirement. In later years, Dennis and Mae traded cross-country travel for summers in Ruidoso, New Mexico, spent with a large group of friends. After years of being an incredible father, Dennis was promoted to “Ope” in 2007 with the arrival of his first grandson, Zephyr, soon followed by twins Nash and Rosalie in 2013. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, playing with them, attending their sporting events, and enjoying countless family game nights.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Leita Mae Haas; his daughter, Crystal Lopez of Austin, and her husband, Carlos; and his three grandchildren, Zephyr, Nash, and Rosalie Lopez. He is also survived by his brother, Tommy Haas and wife Patsy of New Braunfels; his sisters, MaryAnn Albrecht of New Braunfels and Clarelynn Ridenour of Midwest City, Oklahoma; nieces Susan Smith of New Braunfels and husband Keith, and Debbie Putnam of Norman, Oklahoma and husband Kenny, Rebecca Brothers of Port Aransas, Texas; great-niece Sierra Ging of College Station, her husband Bradley, and their daughters Hadley, Holly, and Hartlyn; and great-nieces Saphronia Adkins and Kayla Southern of Oklahoma. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Lillian Haas; his daughter, Gina Haas; his niece, Jenn Edler; and his nephews, Rusty Brothers, and David Cotton.

Dennis’s humor, kindness, and friendly spirit made him a joy to know. He never met a stranger and was known for greeting neighbors and passersby alike with a smile and a conversation. His smile was contagious, his jokes were one of a kind, and his presence made people feel welcome. Above all he was adored as a devoted husband, proud loving father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for the warmth, laughter, and kindness he brought to so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donations to Hope Hospice, Grace Church of New Braunfels or the American Humane Society.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 29th 2026. Viewing and visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with services starting at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow, all at Grace Church New Braunfels (3240 FM 725 New Braunfels, Tx 78130).