William Hass

William Hass, age 83, of rural Menahga and Silver Bay Veterans Home, passed away on Wednesday, June 21 at Lakeview Hospital of Two Harbors after a swift battle with an acute respiratory infection. He was comforted at the end by family and friends.

William, known as Bill, was born in Noonan, North Dakota to Fred Sr. and Anna Hass on March 15, 1940. Upon graduating from Crosby High School in 1957, he attended North Dakota State University receiving a B.A. in Agricultural Economics and Business. After graduating college, he was drafted into the Army and served overseas during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he started work with Farmer’s Union/Cenex and moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. While working at Farmer’s Union he met and married Camille Pince, of South Saint Paul, on April 26, 1969. Together, they raised two sons, Doyle, of Grand Rapids MN, and Ryan, of Palmer AK. Later, Bill and Camille moved to rural Menahga where they entertained themselves with a small hobby farm. While in Menahga, he drove school bus, dabbled in real estate and attained a securities series seven license which allowed him to work with Lutheran Brotherhood.

Family and friends were important to Bill, who seemed to always have a smile and something positive to say. He was never hesitant to lend a helping hand. Bill was an active member in the Menahga Lions Club and attended First Lutheran Church of Menahga. Bill had many interests and hobbies, finding enjoyment in deer and pheasant hunting, running a small trap line with Camille and playing with his Labradors Beau and Zed. He also enjoyed staying busy and working around the farm. He found a particular enjoyment in using a chainsaw and cutting wood, likely a product of his prairie roots.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Camille, infant son William Jr., his father and mother, his two brothers Fred Jr. and Herb, sister-in-law Maureen, Charlotte, and Helene, and brother-in-law Courtney and Curtiss. He is survived by his sons Doyle (Jenna) and Ryan (Mary), six grandchildren: Colton, Hunter, Isabella, Trevor, Hannah and Samantha, brother/sister-in-law Daniel (Cindy) and sister-in-law Muriel.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends at the home place per his and Camille’s request. In lieu of giving flowers, the family prefers that those who are able, to take a moment and give the gift of time to people in their life that they cherish.