Herbert Haass

Herbert James Haass
March 24, 1925-March 10, 2010
Herb Haass died peacefully at home on March 10, 2010, following a recent battle with emphysema.

Born and raised in Casper, Herb grew up in the shadow of the depression and often recounted stories of a dime for a loaf of bread and long spells without beef. Just shy of legal age to serve, Herb followed his brothers, Tom (USMC) and John (USAF), into the service during World War II where he earned the rank of Radio Technician, First Class, USN and served on the USS Santa Fe in the Pacific. His ship was one of the few in its class, a light battle cruiser, to avoid major damage or casualties in its major engagements with the enemy.

After returning from WW II, Herb pursued his AS in Engineering from Casper College, a BA in Education from the University of Colorado, and MA in Education from UCLA. He met and married Marjorie Ann Clark, daughter of Alex and Hazel Clark, on March 25, 1951 at the First Christian Church in Casper. Marj credits his charm, intelligence and wit as the key attributes that first won over her mother and then her father during their brief courtship.

Known in Casper's education community, he started his career at Park School in 1957, teaching 6th grade for a few short years before becoming Principal of Southridge Elementary School from 1959-1978. During his tenure, his innovations in Open Classrooms and Team Teaching were widely adopted throughout the Natrona County School System. As the first personal computers and kit computers emerged, Herb's interest in them led to his final position in the Natrona County School District as Director of Audio/Visual Services before he retired in 1987.

Herb's hobbies included ham radio, CBs, music of all kinds, computers, skiing and reading, but first among them was the ham radio, his window to the entire world starting at the age of 13. Weekends were often spent competing to communicate with the most countries in a given time period using Morse code or voice. His passion for ham radio is still marked by the antenna tower and his "command center" in the radio room at 1123.

Herb was the son of Jenny and Otto Haass and brother of John and Tom Haass, all of Casper, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, oldest daughter Alexis Reed of Chesterton, IN, sons Jon Haass of Auburn, CA, Jamie Haass of Englewood, CO, Jeff Haass of San Francisco, CA, Clark Haass of Portland, OR, and Herb's youngest daughter and twin to Clark, Mari Haass of Acton, MA. In addition, Herb enjoyed his ever-expanding family with 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held March 20 at 3pm at The First Christian Church on CY Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Natrona County Education Foundation, 970 N. Glenn Road, Casper, WY 82601 in his name. Ever the educator, Herb asked that his body be donated to the University of Colorado Medical School.