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Michael Haas

April 20, 2022
Fort Wayne, IN

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Haas, Michael James 8/18/1942 - 4/20/2022 Fort Wayne, IN Rev. Michael James Haas of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2022. He was born August 18, 1942 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Terrence Joseph Haas and Jane Heiney Haas and grew up in Mendon, Michigan. Michael is survived by his spouse Molly of Fort Wayne, his children Ann (Alex) Moser of Fort Washington, Maryland, Jane (Robert) Muller of Fort Wayne, Roy Haas of Carmel, Indiana, Terrence (Megan) Haas of Bethel, Alaska, and Chris Haas of Lafayette, Indiana, and his eight grandchildren, Sadie and Stella Haas, Michael, Daniel and Matthew Muller, Tim Haas, James and William Newport-Haas. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Patrick (Kathy) of Mendon, Michigan, Mary Jane (John) Millard of Caledonia, Michigan, Dennis (Sally) of New London, New Hampshire, Susan (Jack) Spenner of Portage, Michigan, and Betsy (Scott) Mitchell of Woodstock, New York, and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his son James McGlynn Haas, his parents, his sister Ann Marie and his brother Terry. The common thread of Michael's several careers was care for other people. After graduating from Holy Cross Seminary in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, and St. John's Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan, he served as a Catholic priest. After earning a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan, he was a clinical social worker with people facing the challenges of old age, developmental disability and chronic mental illness. After earning a Master's Degree in Divinity at Seabury Western Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, he served as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Logansport, Indiana. In retirement he served as a substitute celebrant for congregations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He also taught comparative religions and the freshman seminar at Franklin Pierce University. He especially enjoyed talking philosophy with students and faculty at gatherings of the Socrates Cafe. Michael's favorite leisure activity was spending time with family and friends, cooking both their old favorites and adventurous new international dishes. He also enjoyed long hikes, crossword puzzles, and singing in choral groups. He both acted and directed in community theater. He once exercised his bass voice as the villain Bill Sykes in "Oliver," a memorable role because so opposite to his real identity. Michael loved to travel. Among his favorite travel memories were spending a week in Saigon, where three of his children were born, Mass at St. Peter's in Rome at sunrise, autumn farm markets in rural France, a Vivaldi concert in Venice, and a wedding in Ireland. His favorite destinations were always wherever his grandchildren were. A memorial service is scheduled for 11am on Saturday April 23rd at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Fort Wayne with luncheon to follow. The family would welcome donations to St. Alban's or to the Alzheimer's Association.