Ruth Ann Haas

Haas, Ruth Ann. December 28, 1941 – March 17, 2026

Ruth Ann (Liebmann) Haas, 84, De Pere, WI died on March 17, 2026. Born on December 28, 1941 in Green Bay, WI, to Leonard and Ruth (Fox) Liebmann, she was sister to Barbara and Michael. Ruth graduated from St. Joseph Academy (Green Bay, WI) and earned her B.A. Education Degree in Music from St. Norbert College (SNC). She married Norman E. Haas on June 6, 1964, and was the proud mother of Alicia (Lissa), Eric, and Pamela.

Ruth Ann was well known for her music theater and vocal performances, often getting stopped to reminisce about her time as Anna in The King and I and as a performer in the SNC Swinging Knights and Chamber Singers. As a member of the Racine Junior Woman’s Club and the Junior League of Racine, WI, Ruth Ann performed for philanthropy; most memorable were the St. Mary’s Medical Center Auxiliary’s annual Cardiac Capers and sing-alongs at St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home. As her young family grew, Ruth Ann steered her music passion into educating others; most noteworthy, she directed the “standing room only” concerts and musicals at Sacred Heart Grade School (Racine, WI) and Waupun Middle School (Waupun, WI). When she returned to the De Pere, WI area later in life, Ruth Ann felt a strong sense of purpose and joy when she led and sang with the cantors at weekly Mass and conducted her all-new “Da Da Choir” of fellow residents at Renaissance Assisted Living Center.

Ruth Ann spent her entire 40+ year career as an educator, making a positive difference in thousands of students’ lives. An award winning choral teacher, she taught at Sacred Heart Grade School (Racine, WI), Waupun Middle School (Waupun, WI), and within the Peoria Public School System (Peoria, AZ). In addition, she conducted the All-Men’s Choir at Sacred Heart Parish (Racine, WI) and the Mixed Adult and Youth Choirs at St. Joseph Parish (Waupun, WI). Also, Ruth served as the Music Liturgy Director at both parishes and at Renaissance Assisted Living Center.

Ruth succumbed to complications from RSV. Her unwavering faith in God, time with family and friends, passion for music and mentoring others, and her optimistic outlook sustained her. She departed with a sense of joy and peace, as she reunited with her loving husband of 55+ years and God our Father.

Her greatest love was time spent with her husband, Norm; their children; family events; and initiating shenanigans with their friends. When her grandchildren began to perform, no one applauded louder than Grandma! She enjoyed organizing events that lifted spirits. Her “let’s get it done” personality, unique leadership, creativity, and penchant for singing and dancing through life ensured every gathering was filled with song and loads of fun. Recently, she was regarded for her creative expression of gratitude for her care providers and staff at Renaissance Assisted Living; she wrote poems for and led all the residents in song to her own parody, Oh Renaissance! She did not search for accolades, yet a touching occasion for Ruth Ann was recently being crowned the Renaissance Queen.

Ruth Ann and Norm enjoyed annual family camping trips across the USA and jaunts to Las Vegas. In retirement, they lived in sunny Peoria, AZ where they enjoyed many new friends until Norm’s passing. Ruth Ann moved back to De Pere, WI to be close to family. She could easily get lost in a good book, enjoy a challenging Bridge game, wear her signature bling, savor a divine piece of dark chocolate, nurse a glass of spectacular red wine, and relish a visit with those who meant the most to her. No Sunday was complete without going out to brunch after mass or cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers!

Ruth Ann was extremely proud of her husband’s endeavors and his prioritization of faith in God, his wife, and their children. She cherished his love, support, and their impenetrable partnership for 55+ years. Norm spent much of his career in a family business, Metal Parts Corporation. Ruth Ann and Norm were active Sacred Heart (Racine, WI), St. Joseph’s (Waupun, WI), and St. Elizabeth Seton (Peoria, AZ) Catholic parishioners. Norm was a 4th degree, Grand Knight of Columbus of the Waupun, WI Council. He also served his Greater Racine and Waupun, WI communities as a Rotarian and Catholic causes’ volunteer.

Ruth Ann was extremely proud of her children, all of whom are happily married with families of their own, all with graduate and post-graduate degrees, and went on to run businesses or serve as leaders in academia. She enjoyed every moment of watching her grandchildren (many who have the music/theater passion from Grandma) grow, learn, and develop into young adults who share her and Norm’s core values of love, honesty, compassion, faith, empathy, and a strong moral compass.

Ruth is survived by her children: Lissa (Tom) Marth, Eric (Stacia) Haas, and Pam (Deacon Art) Gerstner, who deeply loved and respected their mother; her grandchildren Jessilyn Marth, Alex (Naomi) Marth, Christian Haas, Keaton (Jenn) Haas, Brother Howie Gerstner, and Charlie Gerstner who enjoyed every moment learning from and being with grandma; her great grandchild Jasper Haas and step great grandchild Lydia; her sister, Barbara (Richard) Kelly; her sisters-in-law Bernadette (Alvin) Morrow and Laurine Haas; her brothers-in-law Daniel Haas and Lawrence Jansen; and her many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Norman Haas; father and mother Leonard and Ruth (Fox) Liebmann; brother Michael Liebmann; father and mother-in-law Edward and Carolyn (Reichert) Haas; siblings-in-law Audrey Haas, Gregory (and Elaine) Haas, Gerard (and Yvonne) Haas, Marlene Haas, John Haas, Germaine (and Foy) Brigman, Diane (and Joseph) Cook, Rosemary Jansen, Marjorie (and Richard) Malko; and several nephews and close friends.

Ruth Ann will be sorely missed as a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, leader, and teacher. Ruth Ann’s smile was a ray of sunshine when she entered a room; she was a positive problem solver – always able to see the bright side. She didn’t take “no” for an answer; she challenged us with how to make the difficult to do, a “yes, you can!” With her toes tapping and a song on her lips, her children are confident she sang and danced her way HOME.

Ruth Ann’s children are grateful for the many skilled providers that have cared for their mother. The entire family thanks: the physicians, nurses, and staff at Aurora BayCare Medical Center who provided exceptional, compassionate care; and the outstanding care providers and staff at Renaissance Assisted Living Center, where Ruth Ann lived during her last 5 years in its vibrant community. Ruth Ann’s children thank her family and friends who prayed for and supported her during her challenging health journey.

A Catholic Funeral Mass and Interment will occur in Green Bay, WI this summer when Ruth Ann’s life can be celebrated, with date and time to be shared online here. Condolences can be provided at Newcomer Funeral Home’s website in Green Bay, WI or be sent directly to Ruth Ann’s family.