William J. “Bill” Hass, age 73, of the town of Rock Falls, Lincoln County, passed away on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at Asprius Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born Jan. 4, 1941, in Merrill, the only child of the late William F. and Estelle (Shearier) Hass. He married Judy Lemke on Sept. 28, 1963. She survives.
\Bill began his career as a firefighter with the Merrill Fire Department in 1966. He worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant, and at the time of his retirement, Bill was the Deputy Chief. Bill was the former owner and operator of both “Bill Hass & Sons Fire Equipment” and “Bill Hass Excavating.” Bill enjoyed yard work, fishing, buying and selling vehicles, helping his many friends with their projects, and doing anything with his grandson Andy. Bill was always active and was not afraid of hard work. Bill also enjoyed daily conversations with his group of friends. He was a great provider for his family.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Hass, town of Rock Falls; one son, Steve (Lisa) Hass, Merrill; one grandson, Andrew Hass, Merrill; and many friends. Besides his parents, Bill is preceded in death by a son, Bill, Jr., in 2005.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. The Rev. Michael McLain is presiding. Burial will follow in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Merrill. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.