Justin F. Haas

Justin F. Haas, of New Berlin, fought a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully into God’s care, surrounded by his loving family, on the morning of May 14^th at the age of 66. Dear son of Shirley Fields. A wonderful husband to Kathy. Fantastic father of daughters Brenda and Mark Marinack, Lynette and Terry Priestley, and son Dustin. Super cool grandpa to Austin, Ayanna, Abbi, Kayla and Jayden. He was a brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Preceded in death by his father, Jerry Fields. His fun and adventurous personality will be greatly missed!

Welcome to the World

Justin was born to Shirley Mae Crom and John Sylvester Hawes on August 9, 1955 in Duluth MN. As a young child, Justin spent many summers on the lake in northern Minnesota with cousins Bill, Mike and Patty. Shirley married Jerry in 1960…Jerry is the man Justin called Dad. Jamie Ann was born in 1961, he loved being a big brother. Justin met his best buddy, Rob Sueoka, in 2^nd grade. They were both excellent in causing trouble – many fun adventures then and throughout their lives! As a teen, he attended YMCA camps, learned to drive on trips to MN and Canada, enjoyed shop and woodworking classes, played HS football, fixed up old cars with his dad, dabbled with guitar lessons and worked several part time jobs during his senior year. With his newfound talent of mechanics, Justin bought and fixed up a black 55 Chevy to show at the WI State Fair. He graduated from West Allis Nathan Hale High School in 1974.

Love, Marriage, Missouri and Babies

Justin met his sweetheart, Kathy, in 1973. It was love at first sight! Their first date was a cruise in his 55 Chevy and then went dancing. They were married on April 15, 1976. Hollywood, Vegas, San Diego and Tijuana were places they visited on their honeymoon. While visiting friends in Missouri, they decided to make it their home. Living in the Show Me State, Justin became lifelong friends with Alan (Donna) Leonard, participated in demo-derbies at Capitol Speedway, he bought his 1^st dump truck and purchased their 1^st country home in Holts Summit. Justin became a new father and blessed with a baby girl, Brenda Mae. A year and a half later, he was blessed with another baby girl, Lynette Marie. Just a few weeks before his 22^nd birthday, now with two daughters, this young Daddy grew up quickly!

Cheese Please – Returning Home to WI

Justin and Kathy decided to move the family back to Wisconsin. As a “transportologist”, the title he made for himself, he drove for Mindemann Trucking and met lifelong friend Rick (Judy) Haas. They both transferred to Jack Gray Trucking. A couple years later, Justin decided to work for himself. He bought a semi-dump and expanded his trucking business. They were blessed with a third child, Dustin John. Before the age of 40, Justin and Kathy built their beautiful home on 5 acres. Justin became a proud grandpa to five amazing kiddos! In the early 2000s, he downsized his business to one semi and one quad.  Which created more time for family, vacations and hobbies.

Lovin’ Life

Justin lived life to the fullest! He loved his family and was a friend to many. He was an honorable man with a fun personality and always lived life at full speed. He’s always had racing fever – as a spectator and as a participant! He raced at Rockford, Slinger, Beaver Dam and Wilmot.  He won street stock rookie-of-the-year with the Hales Wales. He also was a fan of demo derbies and NASCAR. Justin enjoyed family time and attended Fox River Christian Church. He took delight in camping, BBQ’s, sports, music, vacations, auctions, walleye fishing trips to Lake Erie, classic car shows, Waupun truck shows that he won many trophies in, family card nights, motorcycle rides and was a New Berlin Eagles Club member for many years. Justin never turned down a Friday night fish fry or the chance to share a Miller High Life with friends and family. He loved to plan surprises and he always enjoyed the opportunity to play a joke or take a joke!

Vacation Time – and as Justin would say….”Oh yeah…CAN YOU DIG IT!!!”

Justin enjoyed many camping trips in Wisconsin and Minnesota. His favorite vacations included California, Wisconsin Dells, Niagara Falls, Stagecoach Trails Dude Ranch in Arizona, Nashville, New Smyrna Beach condo in Florida, South Dakota, Door County, Bahamas, Caribbean cruises, Lake Erie, Missouri, Apostle Islands, Key West, Vermont and Maine.

A Great Man and A Cool Guy

Justin was born with two speeds: full throttle and idle! He had a champion’s heart; failure did not weigh him down in hard times and he paved his way to success. He worked hard towards his dreams and achieved many. Justin’s motto: Work Hard, Play Harder!!! Justin’s life is celebrated with memories and love – his story is unfinished as he will live on in our hearts and his legacy will continue as the family grows. He will be remembered for his wisdom, humble spirit, humor and character. He had a warm smile and a big voice.  He was honest, optimistic, instructive, determined and fair. He had an infectious personality that was adored by all – he was cool guy! After a courageous battle with cancer, the Lord took him home. The price of love, is grief. Justin was a bright light in our lives, we have been blessed by knowing and loving him. He was a great man…the BEST husband, son, father and grandpa we could ever ask for. There is a promise that lies ahead, we will meet again. His heavenly journey has just begun as one of the coolest Angels. Over and Out, Six Pack! We love you and we will miss you dearly!

Additional Thanks

We would like to thank all that reached out during the past year. Your calls, visits, cards, messages and texts – Justin was touched by everyone’s love. We appreciate your prayers and grateful for your support. Our gratitude also goes to the Cancer team at St. Luke’s and Aurora home hospice nurses, especially Andrea and Jessica, who gave wonderful care in his final journey.

Celebration of Life

Memorial Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM. Memorial service to begin at 6:00 PM.

Highland Memorial burial will be held privately, at a later date.

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