Daniel Francis Haas

Daniel Francis Haas, age 84, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Neshkoro, Wisconsin.

Born August 28, 1941, in Racine, Wisconsin, Daniel was the tenth of eleven children of Edward P. Haas and Carolyn H. Reichert. He graduated from Saint Catherine's High School in 1959 and went on to become a lifelong entrepreneur, beginning with Perma Cast Corporation and eventually founding Elite Marble Corporation.

He met Marlene Becker at a party, where she famously mistook him for his brother. That case of mistaken identity led to a proposal, a marriage on August 19, 1967, and fifty‑five years as inseparable lifelong business and dance partners. Together they moved from Racine to Westfield, Wisconsin, where they put down deep roots in their community. Devoted to their faith, Daniel and Marlene were active in their parish and instilled a deep faith in their family.

When Daniel wasn't watching the Packers, the Badgers, or really any sport at all, his nose was buried in a thriller or a history book, or he was watching one of his beloved westerns, preferably with John Wayne in it. He loved games, cribbage and sheephead above all, and cherished the long‑running matches he and Marlene shared with their close circle of friends. The one game he never quite mastered was also one of his greatest loves: golf. He played in leagues for years and made a point of getting on the course with his sons, and eventually his grandchildren. He was rarely seen without a hat, and had the collection to prove it.

After retiring from Elite Marble in 2005, Daniel found a new joy in traveling with Marlene to places like Arizona, Gulf Shores, Rome, and Alaska. Most of all, though, he wanted to be wherever the grandkids were, ideally with a casino stop along the way.

Daniel fiercely loved his family and was tremendously proud of them, even if he never quite managed to say goodbye at any family function. He was a provider in the truest sense, working hard jobs, moving away from extended family when he had to, and building family businesses. With a little self‑deprecating humor and a sideways smirk, you never knew quite what he was going to say, but it was usually a gem.

Daniel will be deeply missed by his family and friends for his one-of-a-kind character, his hugs, the many dad jokes he originated, and for sharing a glass of bourbon while debating anything and everything.

Daniel is survived by his five sons, Timothy (Jamie) Haas of Smithville, Missouri; Adam Haas of Appleton, Wisconsin; Aaron (Melissa) Haas of Springboro, Ohio; Ethan (Ilana) Haas of Appleton, Wisconsin; and Luke (Kari) Haas of Green Lake, Wisconsin; his ten grandchildren, Emma (Benet) Kinghorn and Peter Haas; Elizabeth, Samuel, and Emily Haas; Theodore Haas; Henry and Josie Haas; and Hazel and Calvin Haas; his sister and brother‑in‑law, Bernadette and Alvin Morrow; his brother‑in‑law, Larry Jansen; his sister‑in‑law, Laurine Haas; his sister‑in‑law and brother‑in‑law, Judy and Richard Cardin; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marlene; his parents, Edward and Carolyn Haas; his stepmother, Elizabeth (née Andres) Haas; his parents‑in‑law, Edward and Leona (née Bruening) Becker; and his siblings and their spouses, Audrey Haas, Gregory (Elaine) Haas, Germaine (Foy) Brigman, Diane (Joseph) Cook, Gerard (Yvonne) Haas, Rosemary Jansen, Marjorie (Richard) Malko, Norman (Ruth Ann) Haas, and John Haas.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dan will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church 315 N. Main St., Neshkoro with Msgr. James Gunn officiating. A visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Monday at the church. Burial will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Cemetery 6124 Hwy 31, Racine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Catholic Charities, March for Life, or St. James Parish of Neshkoro.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Rozanne Hagedorn for her devoted care of Daniel at the end of his life, and for making possible one final trip to Gulf Shores.