Ronald K. Haas

Dr. Ronald K. Haas, age 78, of Howards Grove, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after a courageous and spirited battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ron was born in Racine, WI, on August 26, 1946, to the late Glenn E. Haas and Marianne K. Haas. He attended William Horlick High School, graduating in 1964 with honors. He began his lifelong love for music early on, by playing clarinet in several school and marching bands. His enjoyment of music would continue throughout his adult years. He was for many seasons a member of Sheboygan’s Lakeshore Chorale and made many life-long friends in the process. A highlight of his time with the Chorale was a concert tour throughout Europe.

Ron received his bachelor’s degree from Knox College in Illinois. After graduation, Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army and served on active duty as a military policeman. He went on to pursue graduate education at Oklahoma State University, where he obtained a Ph.D. degree in mathematics. In 1979, Ron returned to Wisconsin and began a dedicated teaching career at Lakeland College (now Lakeland University), a span that lasted over 35 years. He retired in 2015 as Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science. Ron was a member of many committees at Lakeland and taught a variety of innovative courses in the College’s General Studies interdisciplinary program. He also created the college’s first computer science major and went on to lead the Michael J. Devaney Math Meet in honor of his late colleague. The Haas family made many good friends and have great memories of living for several years on Prof Row, the neighborhood of faculty houses adjacent to campus.

In his personal time, Ron loved reading, watching movies, and listening to music. Science fiction, westerns, and the 60’s were his favorite genres, and he leaves behind an extensive collection of books, movies, and CDs that his family will enjoy in his memory. Family life was spent camping with other Lakeland families, fishing, boating, shooting at the gun range, and downhill skiing. Ron was also the beloved Papa to his granddaughter, Payton. During the winter before his passing and while undergoing cancer treatment, Ron wanted to take one final ski trip to experience the scenic runs he had enjoyed so often during his lifetime. His son Brooks accompanied him on the outing.

Ron’s loving family and loyal friends will always have the memory of his sweet smile and jovial laugh, his intellectual vigor, and the assurance that his love and support for them will last forever.

Ron is survived by his children, Rachael (K.J. Griffin) Haas, Alyssa Haas, and Brooks Haas; his granddaughter, Payton Griffin; his sister, Linda (Donald) Peterson, niece Jennifer (Clarence) Bethea and nephew Jason (Amanda) Peterson; his ex-wife, Shelley Haas, former in-laws Shane and Mike Upthegrove and nieces Ashley Fitzgerald and Chelsea (Nick) Casper; cousins, Sheila Kading and Sandy Johnson; his lap kitties Tannen & Tibby; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Haas will be held May 24th at 11am at the Lakeland University chapel, with a luncheon reception to follow at 12:30 at the Campus Center Event Space (2nd floor of Younger Campus Center).

Memorial donations can be made in Dr. Haas’s name to the Lakeland University Math Club or the Computer Science Department. Please visit https://lakeland.edu/give for more information on donating to Lakeland University.

The family is grateful for the presence, compassion, and guidance received from the professionals at the Sharon Richardson Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care, and Zimmer Westview Funeral Home.

To leave an online message for the family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com