Bonnie (Jacobson) Haas passed away peacefully on December 7, 2023, at Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin, Wisconsin.
Bonnie was born November 19, 1939, to Albert and Lena Jacobson in Wilson, Wisconsin. Growing up on the farm, she was the youngest of six children. There was always an adventure to be had – whether it was walking bare foot through the fields to get the cows, driving the equipment (when way too young), splashing in the river, singing to the animals, or exploring with her friends, Bonnie was always up for it.
Bonnie attended Brookville School before hopping on the school bus to go to school in Woodville, Wisconsin. She attended Woodville School (except for a short time when the family moved to Redding, California) where she was active in band and choir. It was in school that Bonnie met the love of her life, Kenny Haas, along with many of her lifelong friends.
Bonnie attended the University of River Falls before marrying Kenny in 1959 and starting their family. They went on to have four children: Juli, Tom, Shelly and Sarah.
Bonnie and Kenny lived in the twin cities until moving back to the Woodville area in 1972. During this time Bonnie worked various jobs until starting her 30+ year career with the United States Post Office.
Bonnie enjoyed being back in the Woodville Community. She bowled in a bowling league, was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Club, church choir, church council, Nutty Knitters, and coordinated the Red Cross Blood drive for several years.
Bonnie loved being with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. The room was filled with laughter, love and fun when the family and her group of dear friends were together. Ever looking for the next adventure, Bonnie loved going on road trips, taking vacations, gardening, exploring, and performing.
Bonnie re-discovered her flare for the dramatic when there was an audition call for the play “Our Town” and she decided to try out. After that first play, she was hooked, and was part of several productions with the Off Broadway Players, Spring Valley Stagehands, Willow River Players and performed at the Phipps, The Art Barn, The Mabel Tainter and with other local acting groups.
After retiring in 2001 the plan was relaxation and travel. This plan unexpectedly changed when Kenny passed away in January of 2002. Bonnie, a pillar of strength, had to shift the plan to a solo adventure. She spent retirement acting with theater groups, enjoying her home in the country, taking care of the grandkids (Jessica, Jordan, Destinee and Caleb) and traveling with friends and family. She enjoyed time spent with trips to visit her family in California and trips with friends to Mexico, Ireland, and a very special trip to Norway.
Bonnie was a very kind, fun-loving, strong lady who was a great mother, grandmother, friend, and community member. She was loved and will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her.
She will especially missed by her children: Juli (John) Gardner, Tom (Brenda) Haas, Shelly (Paul) Timmerman and Sarah Haas; grandchildren: Jessica (Mark) Lefeber, Jordan (Derek) Duval, Destinee (Izaac Peterson) Rose-Haas, Caleb Haas-Rock, Jesse (Rachel) Gardner, Mindy (Billy) Roth, and Nick Lillie; great grandchildren: Sam, Gus, Stella, Valorie, Summer and Jackson; sisters-in-law: Elaine Jacobson, Marilyn Jacobson and Rosemarie Haas; brother-in-law: Glenn and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Haas; parents: Albert and Lena Jacobson, parents’ in-law Walter and Regina Haas; sisters: Jae, Gayle and Jan; brothers: Art and Jim; brothers-in-law Clint, Rudy, John, Bernard, Harry and Donald; and special friends.
A Celebration of life service will be on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Woodville, Wisconsin.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at church prior to the service.
Burial in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Woodville will be at a later date.
Keehr Funeral Home (keehrfuneralhome.com), Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
