Thomas Haas (1951-2018)

HAAS, MUSSMANN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/4/2018 at 18:27:52

Thomas "Tom" Haas, 67, of Dubuque passed away on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. To honor Tom's life, funeral services will be held at 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Tom's life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m., until the time of services at 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Tom was born on March 20, 1951, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, son of Wilbert "Bill" and Rosemary (Mussmann) Haas.

Tom spent his younger years growing up in Dubuque surrounded by his loving family, making countless friends along the way, and all while obtaining his education at Sacred Heart Catholic School and Wahlert High School, until he eventually graduated in 1969. He would go on to work at H&W Motor Express, and also found the opportunity to own and operate the Chorale Club Tavern for awhile. But sadly, after his surprisingly failed audition with Chippendales, Tom reluctantly became a very talented, and self-taught artist with Advanced Designs, where he faithfully devoted over 40 years of his working career as a graphic designer. Tom was also a devoted member of the Moose Lodge #355, where he happily and graciously drank all of the drinks which others were generous enough to buy in honor of his grand presence! In his spare time, Tom enjoyed casting a baited hook under the sun, venturing into the timber for a good day of hunting, joining his friends for an evening of league bowling, gathering all of the trump cards just waiting to call Euchre, a wind free day of chasing skeet across the skyline, spending a sunny day on the links chasing a little white ball around, watching his favorite race car driver take first place, and any chance to see his Cubbies or Da Bears take the field. Tom was also gifted with a wonderful sense of humor which routinely had all of those around him not only smiling, but a regular belly laugh was not uncommon if Tom was involved. Sadly, the Lord has decided to call our Tom home today, and with him go pieces of our hearts which only he can care for until we see his amazing smile once again. We will miss Tom more than he'd ever imagine, but we take comfort in knowing that he's reunited with our Dad playing perfect games of cribbage together with no cheating allowed. We are also forever grateful that now he and Patrick Swayze are able to perfect their dance routines, that other "treasure collectors" around town will finally have a better chance at making a great deal on the rarest of finds in their own minds, and that Mom will not have to threaten to call the orphanage anymore when Tom's not behaving! We miss you dearly Tom, thanks for all the love, laughs and memories.

Those left to cherish Tom's memory include his mother, Rosemary Haas, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings, Kathy (Pat) Chamberlain, Rochester, MN, Pam (Steve) Hiatt, Dubuque, IA
and Gary (Annette) Haas, Dubuque, IA; because of his uncanny resemblance to Uncle Buck, Tom was beloved by his nieces, Julia Haas, Rachel Klein, Chelsea Fulton and Tessa Hiatt and his 3 great-nephews and 6 great-nieces;
and his friends which were like family,
Becky and Pete Kretz.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Wilbert "Bill" Haas; and a sister in infancy, Patricia Ann.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Engelman at Medical Associates, and the staff at Stonehill Care Center.