Allan Paul Haas Obituary (1969 - 2014)

Allan Paul Haas, 88, passed away on Monday (December 1) at his home.His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass, Saturday at the church.Memorials may be made to Central Catholic High School.Allan was born January 15, 1926, the son of Ralph and Anna Schlink Haas.Survivors include one daughter, Diane (Eric) Smith; four sons, Marty (Lisa), Steve (Cathy), John (Mardi) and Mike (Melissa) Haas; a sister, Sister Joan Haas, 17 grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Tiner; David Philpott; Donovan Haas; JT (Sarah) and Steve (Carrie) Haas; Molly (Tony) Uhren; Colleen (Jeremy) Zeitler; and Annie (Preston) Holdren; Max and Louie Haas; Leslie (Michael) Ruffing; Michael (Suzanne) Smith, Christopher and Anna Smith; Derek, Doug and Wesley Haas; and 13 beautiful great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary who passed away December 31, 2012, his parents, five brothers; Fabian, Bernard, Rev. Monsignor Murray, Leonard, Loren and one sister, Geraldine Heineke.Allan met the love of his life, Mary, at the McLean County Fair. They began their loving and full marriage on June 24, 1950 at St. Joseph Church, Chenoa, and soon after made their home on a farm in rural Towanda where they raised their five children.His chosen career was owning and operating his farm. After retiring and renting his farmland to a neighbor, he enjoyed trading in antiques, focusing on John Deere memorabilia. He was a active member of the Knights of Columbus.Allan thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and flourish, attending many baptisms, first communions, graduations and weddings. Besides his family, his other interests included golfing with family and friends, hunting and fishing and traveling the world. He was a passionate supporter of Bloomington Central Catholic as well as Notre Dame football. Allan was a devoted member of St. Patrick Church of Merna and later Epiphany Catholic Church.Allan embraced his German ancestry, often using German phrases throughout his life. He has, as his ancestors would say, "nach Hause gegangen". Gone home.