- Date Of Birth: September 25, 1931
- Date Of Death: March 13, 2022
- State: Wisconsin
Raymond “Nooks” Haas, age 90, of Wisconsin Rapids (Town of Sigel), passed away Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids.
Raymond “Nooks” Leo Haas was born on September 25, 1931, at home. As he was premature Dr. Pomainville, told them to place him in the oven to keep him warm overnight. Raymond was the second son of Bernard and Ada (Mueller) Haas. They had seven children – “Hans” Marvin (deceased), “Nooks,” Bill, Ronnie (deceased), “Tuzz” James, “Putz” Gary (deceased) and Marilyn.
Ray attended a one-room schoolhouse called Pioneer Grade School. In his teen years he drove milk truck, raked cranberries, and worked on the family farm. Bernard and Ada set an example for a good work-ethic as their sons helped all the neighbors with their harvesting as well.
At age 18 Raymond started work at Nekoosa Papers, Machine room at Port Edwards Wisconsin. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
On February 20,1954 Ray was introduced to Phyllis by her father Simon Moscicki, at a wedding reception at the Holy Rosary Polish Hall. Ray and Phyllis married on October 20, 1956, at Holy Rosary Church. There was a reception at Polish Hall and a public dance at Sherry land ballroom. Raymond and Phyllis continued to practice their faith in the church in which they were raised. Nooks was a life-long, active members of St. John Lutheran Church, Sigel Wisconsin.
After their marriage they lived in Port Edwards for one year. From Phyllis’ Uncle Edward Brostowitz, they purchased a canned milk route in Sigel, Wisconsin. Ray delivered the farmer’s milk to the Sigel Cheese Factory. Later he hauled milk for Dairy State Cheese. Ray continued to work at the Paper Mill on the 3-11 shift, while hauling milk each morning.
In 1957 they moved to rented farmhouse on County Road C in Sigel, living there for four years. In 1961 they purchased land and built their home with the help of family and friends. They lived in that home their entire marriage.
In January 1988, Ray retired from the Port Edwards shipping department as Supervisor after 38 ½ years. After retiring from the paper mill, he continued to work part-time at Haas Builders and Supply.
Ray subsequently found companionship with his long-time neighbor Donna Livernash. Donna provided supper, card games and love. The entire Livernash family loved Ray as their own. We will always be grateful for how you welcomed Ray into your lives.
In 2017 Ray had a mild stroke, from which he recovered. But the stroke did change his world dramatically.
Ray and Phyllis have five children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild:
Bruce and husband Bruce Rentz,
LuAnn and husband Ed Belter, Ty & Abby and Jax, Rachel,
Brian Haas,
Lisa and husband Mark Skibba, Monica, Hannah & Cliff Amundson, Olivia & Nathaniel Clark,
Linda Fravert, Josey, Spencer, Odessa, and Adrien.
After Phyllis died, Nooks had so many angels on earth that helped look after him:
Marilyn his favorite sister, who cooked and baked, mended his coveralls, and chauffer
Bill his favorite BS brother and Judy who called, stopped by, did projects around house and listened to his stories.
Nephew Ben ready to help with projects around the house, and frequent visits with The Commander at the house and Arborwood.
The entire Livernash family adopted him and since 2012 shared many family events with him. Todd helped whenever Ray asked him.
And Donna, the second love of his life. She fed him, found him a group of friends to play cards with, someone to watch the Packers & Brewers with. And most importantly gave him back the ‘twinkle” in his blue eyes.
Ray/Nooks will be remembered for being a hard worker, having a line of BS ready, and great dancer. He believed that a hard honest day’s work is the only way to be measured. Most of all, he taught us to live life with a smile and a good story. He was a special man and will be deeply missed by many.
