Louis Haas III, 83, of Kalkaska, formerly of Grand Rapids, had a glorious homecoming when he left this earth on Fri, May 20, 2011 from the Kalkaska Eden Center to join his beloved Savior. He was born on Jan 3, 1928 in Kalamazoo to the late Louis Haas Jr. and Juanita Laraway.
Louis was a master craftsman in the art of woodworking through furniture design and construction, plus cabinet manufacturing. He was an artist with a keen eye for detail and balance, with meticulous craftsmanship and creativity.
The Lord enabled Louis to overcome dyslexia so he could read His Word, a constant source of comfort, revelatin, training, and encouragement. With this gift, he crafted the poem, "The Corner Stone," published in the Western Michigan Catholic, and the self-published book, "Jerome Brighten Candle."
A righteous man interested in spiritual life, he served his fellow man as a member of the Cancer Society, the Humane Society, the Boy Scouts of America - first as a scout and then as a troop leader - the Thornapple Valley Lions Club, God's Kitchen of Grand Rapids and 4-H as an active parent. He was also a SCUBA driver.
Louis showed his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ by serving in the Michigan Ecumenical Society, GRACE, Kairos en Cristos, De Colores, The Bishop Whittemore Foundation, Kent and Muskegon Counties Jail Ministry, and Rectorship, and in the Episcopal Church as a Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Warden, and Vestry Member.
Louis is survived by his devoted wife of 60-plus years, Caroline Jean (Gaynor) Haas; his loving children, Marlene (Jack) Rudolph of Grandville, Frederick (Trudy) Haas of Allengan, and Janet Haas of Kentwood; his dear brothers, William (Paulette Armstrong) Haas of Excelsior, MN, and Ronald (Claudette) Haas of Stockbridge; his dear sister, Gretchen (fiance, David) Haas of Pittsburg, PA; his six cherished grandchildren; his many loved nieces and nephews; and his brothers and sisters at Kalkaska United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Kenneth Haas.
Our heartfelt thanks and admiration goes to the hardworking and compassionate staff of the Kalkaska Eden Center Specialty and Long Term Care Units who lovingly cared for Louis since Jul 2009. We applaud you!
A memorial service of joy and celebration will be held on Thu, May 26, 2011 at 11 am at the Kalkaska United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society, the Parkinson's Foundation, Kalkaska United Methodist Church, or the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Eden Center.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home.
