Marita H. Haase

Marita H. (nee Weisensel) Haase, of Blair, WI (formerly Juneau and Beaver Dam) succumbed to colon cancer on May 11, 2011, at Franciscan Skemp Nursing Home of Arcadia, WI. Born in the Reeseville, WI area to Ignatius and Ellanora (nee Roffeis) Weisensel on January 16, 1927, Marita met and married Robert J. Haase at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyman on October 13, 1949. Together for 51 years, they had 6 children and farmed near Juneau, WI until Robert's passing on November 3, 2000. Though Marita had worked away from home at a young age as housekeeper, caretaker and canning factory worker, she was an equal partner in her marriage to Bob as wife, mother and co-farmer. That wonderful partnership can be demonstrated in how they worked together to repair farm machinery--Marita would watch as Bob took it apart to ensure that no pieces would remain when he put it back together. Marita and Robert were known for their compassion; and at various times in their life, shared their home with those in need offering an understanding ear, a loving heart, a cup of coffee and a loaf of bread or one of Marita’s famous donuts. Together they prayed, worked, were involved in their church, and lived. After sale of the farm, Marita resided in Beaver Dam at Keystone Apartments for several years; and was fondly remembered for her loud music, whistling and assisting others. For the last two years, Marita lived with her daughter, Judt, and family in Blair. Marita was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; daughter, Anne; parents and siblings--Marcellus, Reeseville; Linas (Johnny), Reeseville; Leon, Reeseville; Cyrilla (Pat) Reed, Milwaukee; Bernard, Milwaukee. She is survived by her children and grandchildren--Barbara (Arthur) of Juneau, and son, Arthur; Judt (Arden) of Blair, and daughters, Paula, Claudia, Lydia; Rev. Howard, Waukesha; Joseph (Cheryl) of Horicon, and children, Jared (Jayna), Kayla; Loraine (Tony) of Alma Center, and children, Josh, Genevieve, Mariama, Mahalia; and her siblings--Donald (Vernette) of Watertown, Marilynn (Bill) of Delafield, Arnold (Yvonne) of Watertown, Adrian (Joan) of Iron Ridge, Ignatius (Rosie) of Columbus, Magdalene of St. Francis; and many nieces and nephews. Marita enjoyed life and family; music and dancing; baking bread and donuts; canning; gardening; and playing cards. She was a wise soul and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, Tuesday, May 17, 4:30 - 7:30 PM with closing prayer at 7:30 PM and Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Funeral Service will follow Wednesday, May 18, 11:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be at St. Isidore Cemetery, Clyman. The Berndt - Ledesma Funeral Home is serving the family. Please honor Marita by sending any memorial donations to a charity of your choice or to St. Katharine Drexel School, 503 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

Marita H. Haase

January 16, 1927 - May 11, 2011