Robert Haas Obituary

Robert Arthur Haas, "Bob" or "Papa," beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed peacefully from this life to the next on Feb. 3, 2022, at Christus St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. Bob had been courageously battling cancer for the fourth time (this time in his lungs and lymph nodes in his chest). He became sick with an infection and pneumonia and due to his weakened immune system, he succumbed to the illness.
Bob was born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Nov. 9, 1938, to William and Alice Haas. The Haas family owned a bakery, and Bob and some of his siblings learned the basics of the craft that later became his career. Bob also spent time in the seminary studying the Catholic faith with the Jesuits. He met his first love, Sally Ann Lawson, in Marshall, Minnesota, and the two were married in 1960 starting their own family.
Bob was offered a job in Alaska at the Prax family owned Star of the North Bakery. He came north, loved Alaska and asked a nephew to escort his family to Fairbanks. Bob then moved as a baker to Safeway where he became the bakery manager for over 25 years. Bob was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Fairbanks for 25-plus years and served as a lodge officer for a time. He was also a member of the Chef's Association of Alaska, where he competed and won several competition awards for his baked goods. Bob enjoyed taking his family on summer Alaska camping trips, spending time at the Chatanika River, the Clearwater River, in Valdez and in Homer. His children and grandchildren appreciated this exposure that developed their love of the outdoors.
Bob was extremely proud of his large and loving family. He worked hard to provide for his family and give them as many opportunities in life as he could. He was loved and respected by his children, his extended family, and many friends who all looked to him as a father figure and role model. Bob enjoyed his retirement years in the warmer weather of Florida and Texas.
He was proceeded by his first wife, Sally; second, wife Katie; and sister, Paula.
Bob is survived by his wife, Denise; children, Kim Graziadei and her husband Troy, Bonnie Ring and her husband Aaron, Francis Haas, Jody Varner, Bruce Haas and his wife Heidi; as well as 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his remaining siblings, Bill, Kathleen, John, Jerome and Nancy.
There will be a ceremony and celebration of life in Fairbanks spring/summer of 2022.