Remembering John L. Haas: A Life Rooted in the North Dakota Plains
Standing 6-foot-7 with a gentle presence that matched his towering frame, John L. Haas lived a life deeply woven into the agricultural and civic fabric of western North Dakota. Haas passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Sanford Bismarck Medical Center at the age of 91.
Born in Richardton on July 8, 1935, to John F. and Carol M.M. Haas, his journey spanned nearly a century of rural change, education, farming, and community banking. His Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, located south of Richardton, with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB, serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
From One-Room Schools to the Agricultural Classroom
Haas grew up on the family farm east of Lefor, attending various one-room country schools through the eighth grade before graduating from Mott Lincoln High School as a proud Cardinal. He then headed to Fargo, attending North Dakota Agricultural College, where he played basketball and earned a degree in Agricultural Education.
His professional life began in Bowman, where he taught vocational agriculture for $400 a month and met Ruth Mary Burns. The couple married on September 18, 1965, beginning a partnership of 61 years. Teaching stints followed in Velva, Taylor, and Lefor, where Haas instructed high school science and vocational subjects. Between classrooms, he farmed full-time and later transitioned into finance, starting work at Brehmer Bank in Richardton in 1984 and later moving to Dakota Community Bank in Taylor until his retirement at the turn of the millennium.
Visitation and Mass Scheduled at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church
Visitation is set for Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, with a Rosary and Vigil following at 7 p.m. led by Deacon Bob Zent. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to Friday’s Mass. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Stephen’s Church, the Great Plains Food Bank, Catholic Relief, or a charity of choice.
