Date of death: 3/7/2008

Saint Meinrad Class: O 1955

Fr. Ralph L. Haas, 81, of Belleville, IL, born Oct. 11, 1926, in Belleville, IL, died at St. Joseph Hospital, Joliet, IL.Father Haas was ordained May 3, 1955, at St. Peter Cathedral, Belleville, IL, by the Most Reverend Albert R. Zuroweste. His pastoral assignments included SS. Peter & Paul, Waterloo, IL; St. Joseph, East St. Louis, IL; Holy Childhood, Mascoutah, IL; St. Stephen, Caseyville, IL; St. Joseph, Prairie du Rocher, IL; St. Barbara, Okawville, IL; St. John the Baptist, Smithton, IL; St. Agatha, New Athens, IL; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Renault, IL; and St. Augustine of Canterbury, Hecker, IL. Father Ralph taught religion classes at St. Teresa Academy, East St. Louis, IL, and served as chaplain at Chester Mental Health Center. He also served on the College of Consultors; the Presbyteral Council; the Priest Personnel Board; and the board of directors of the Clergymen’s Aid Society. He was Faithful Friar of the Knights of Columbus, Fort Kaskaskia Assembly. Father Haas retired July 20, 1999.In his retirement, Father continued to celebrate Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish, East St. Louis, IL.He enjoyed his woodworking hobby and spending time with his faithful canine companion, Jubie.Father Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes, nee Bauer, Haas; his father, Peter Haas; his stepmother, Teresa Wiesen-Haas; two brothers, Leroy Haas and Fr. Melvin Haas; two stepsisters, Dorothy Schneider and Joan Reime; a stepbrother, Kenny Wiesen; a brother-in-law, Joseph Clark; a nephew, Carl Koerner; and a great-nephew, William Koerner.He is survived by a sister, Virginia Clark of Plainfield, IL; a stepsister, Patricia Kane of Belleville, IL; a sister-in-law, Bea Haas of Belleville, IL; his good friend, Doris A. Drago of New Athens, IL; and many nieces and nephews.Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice.Information obtained from the Belleville News-Democrat on 3/10/2008.