J. Noreen Haas
J. Noreen “Nooks” Haas, 96, of Eau Claire, formerly of Mondovi, Wis., passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, in Eau Claire.
She was born on Dec. 28, 1922, to John R. and Agnes Nora (Risberg) Werlein, in Mondovi, Wis.
Noreen attended school in Mondovi, graduating from Mondovi High School in 1940. Continuing her schooling, she attended Buffalo County Normal School, in Alma, Wis., graduating in 1942.
She married Vincent A. Haas on Jan. 13, 1943, at Sacred Heart Church, in Mondovi, sharing 75 years of marriage. To this marriage, three children, Linda, Gregory, and John, were born.
Noreen taught school for one year and then held various retail jobs during Vince’s deployment in World War II, while living in Vermont and North Carolina. She then helped on the family farm in Drammen, while also working at the Coast to Coast Store, in Mondovi. In 1979, she began a new career as a school cook at the Modena Grade School, eventually retiring in 1990 after 11 years as Food Service Manager for the Mondovi Schools.
Noreen was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Dillon-Johnson Unit 154, in Mondovi, holding various offices in the local organization. She was 10th District American Legion Auxiliary President, 1991-1993. She had many fond memories of attending conferences with fellow members.
Noreen, known as “Nooks” by friends and family, shared many activities with the love of her life, Vince, during their 75 years of marriage. This included golfing, bowling, fishing, spending time at the lake, and entertaining family and friends. Family was her most cherished possession and she enjoyed every family occasion. She will also be remembered for her many crafting talents, especially the hundreds of knitted slippers she made.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Melgaard of Eau Claire; two sons, Gregory (Bonnie) of Mondovi and John of Middleton, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Greg) Klevgard, Don Melgaard, Rebecca (Brad) Mueller, Robert (Lisa) Melgaard, Melissa (Joe) Frank, Matthew (Dawn) Haas and Adam (Tess Nashed) Haas; 16 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Howard) Freund; sister-in-law, Jeanette Werlein; special friend, Grace (Deetz) Morehead; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vince Haas; parents; brother, James Werlein; sister, Margaret Nogle; three infant sisters; two brothers-in-law, Art Nogle and Wallace Haas; sister-in-law, Helen Haas.
The family requests that memorials be made in Noreen’s name to a charity of your choice. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Heritage Assisted Living in Eau Claire, Dr. Kenneth Rucker, MD of Durand, Dr. Rajesh Maddikunta, MD of Eau Claire, and HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital for their compassion, comfort, and care of Noreen.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, in Mondovi, with Father Paul Bosco officiating. Burial followed in Sacred Heart Catholic Riverside Cemetery. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Mondovi, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continued on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com.
