Memorial service scheduled for Monday for music director Lance Haas

 

Beloved music teacher and mentor Lance George Haas, 64, of Twin Lakes, died Oct. 12, 2012, at the Aurora VNA Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, following a gallant fight against cancer. The Haas Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at the Lance G. Haas Auditorium for the Performing Arts, 11112 308th Ave. Wilmot.

Haas was born on Dec. 9, 1947, in Madison, to the late Norbert and Irene (Mears) Haas. On July 25, 1970 in Madison, he married Carol M. Cox.  They moved to the Twin Lakes area in 1970.

Lance graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, with honors with a Masters Degree in Music.   While in college he played the drums for the Steve Miller Band.

He then came to Wilmot Union High School in 1970 and never left, until retiring in 2011. While at Wilmot, he grew the band from 23 students to over 200 in four bands in 1999.

In 1971, he organized the Sgt. Peppers Band and in 1974 he launched the Wilmot Guardsman Marching Band and performed at such events as the Hollywood Christmas Parade, Sugar Bowl in New Orleans National Championship Game, the Indy 500 Parade and Symphony Hall in Chicago.  In 1989 he became the choir director.

In 1993, he was named Wisconsin High School Teacher of the year. He served for 10 years as Executive Director of Central States Judges Association.  He was a member of the Wilmot High School Teachers Association where he served as president six times, the Negotiation Team for four years, was Chief Negotiator for two years, scholarship committee chairperson for 30 years and Teacher of the Year committee chairperson for 20 years.

He started a publication company called “Drumit” where he wrote music for solo/ensemble contests. He also recorded several CD’s.  He directed numerous musicals including a musical he wrote called, “Wilmont” for which he wrote 21 songs.

At the time of his death, he completed writing his second musical called “The Forgotten Man.”  This musical will be performed in December of 2012.

He also played in the band “Who’s Askin.” He was inducted in the Edgewood High School, Madison, Hall of Fame. On Oct. 23, 2010, the auditorium at Wilmot High School was dedicated to Lance and is now known as the Lance G. Haas Auditorium for the Performing Arts.

Lance also taught English at Wilmot and Gateway, and taught a band director’s class at UW-Parkside. He inspired many students during his 41 years at Wilmot High School.  He enjoyed scuba diving, traveling and camping.  He coached Little League in Genoa City.

Lance is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Lance C. (Jennifer) of Spring Grove; a daughter, Talissa (Scott) Machin of Racine and a brother, Norbert Haas of Madison.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in law, Jean Haas.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Calvary Community Church, Hwy. 50 and Harris Rd. Williams Bay, with the Revs. Chuck Cervenka and Doug Anderson officiating.  Interment will be at 3 p.m. at Wilmot Cemetery.

The Haas Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at the Lance G. Haas Auditorium for the Performing Arts, 11112 308th Ave. Wilmot.

Park in the south parking lot and use the southwest entrance.  Memorial Remembrances may be made to the Calvary Community Church Missions Fund Hwy 50, Williams Bay.

Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of services at the church.

Well-wishers can sign his guest book at haaselockwoodfhs.com. The Haase-Lockwood and Association Funeral Homes of Twin Lakes is handling arrangements.

 


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