Michael Haas

Master Sergeant Michael J. Haas

USAF Sept 1960 – Sept 1980 (20 years)

Michael Joseph Haas, born February 5, 1940 in Oakland, CA, passed away on June 13, 2020 at the age of  80, after a long battle with cancer.  He was the husband of Charlene A. Haas and they shared 58 years of marriage together. He was the son of Fredrick Hollenbeck and Margaret (Mimi) Haas. Roy Haas (stepfather) raised Michael along with Mother Mimi. Mike grew up with two brothers Roy (Boats), Danny and sister, Marion.

Mike loved sports; especially football. He was the captain of his high school football team playing center and his best friend, Jim Welch was the quarterback. Their senior year, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Raquel (who would eventually become THE Raquel Welch).  His last year of high school, was in Hawaii and shortly after graduating, Mike enlisted in the US Air Force.

He enjoyed coaching his kids (Cheryl Ann Nellis and Aaron Shawn Haas) teams and winning several championships. Michael enlisted in the US Air Force in Sept 1960 and retired Sept 1980.  He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded Bronze, Silver & Gold Rifleman marksman Badge, Distinguished Marksman Badge, Member of Air Force High Power Rifle Team 1973 Winning Team, Small Arm Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, & U.S Rifleman Badge 1972 .

He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base when shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Charlene. They were married in January 27, 1962 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in San Antonio and a year later welcomed a baby girl, Cheryl. After serving the first 6 years of his military careen at Lackland, he re-enlisted and was given orders to Hickam AFB in Honolulu Hawaii. In June of 1968 Mike & Charlene welcomed their son Aaron Shawn. After 4 years in paradise, Mike received transfer orders and the family moved to Plattsburgh AFB in upstate New York. As retirement approached, he knew he wanted to end his military service in San Antonio. One of the conditions of his transferring to Randolph AFB, was a one year tour of duty in Kansan Korea. He retired in 1980 after 20 years service to his country. After 6 months (of trying to grow a beard), he accepted a position with Civil Service doing the same job (at the same desk) he’d had while in the USAF. ‘While in Civil Service, Michael earned not one but THREE Minuteman Awards from the National Guard; a very rare honor.’
After returning to Texas, he spent several years as a Pop Warner coach at Randolph Air Force Base. One of the boys he coached, AJ Johnson, eventually was drafted into the NFL and played for the Washington Redskins. He coached his daughter Cheryl’s softball team and took them to the State championships. He also coached his son’s flag football team and enjoyed watching Shawn tear up the field when he made the Randolph pop warner football team.

At the conclusion of 20 years, he hung up his Systems Analyst hat and retired for good in May of 2000. Since high school Mike was a hot rod enthusiast having built many throughout his life including a 57 Chevy, 1930 Model-A pick up, 1929 Roadster T-bucket, 1932 Ford 5-window Coupe, a 1932 Ford Sedan and a ‘55 Ford Step-side pick up truck that he was rebuilding with his grandson. Mike was a lifetime member of the Gear Grinders Hot Rod Club (47 years) as well as the Street Rodders Association.
Mike loved entering his cars at Car Shows and had many trophies. He made sure though to tell anyone who’d listen that although he showed his cars, they were daily drivers and NOT trailer queens or kit cars they were the real deal...STEEL IS REAL, he used to say.

In addition to classic hot rods, Mike also loved to dance and was quite the Fred Astaire. He & Charlene on the dance floor were a sight to behold. Whether it was boogieing to 50’s rock and roll or slow dancing to Charlene’s favorite song, Lady In Red, they were captivating couple to watch across the dance floor.

The title Mike liked best was that of Papa. He was Grandfather to Brigitte, CJ, Calvin, Haley & Aidan and loved them all immensely.

Mike’s health issues started in ‘91 with a rare, major immune disease shortly followed by his first bout with bladder cancer. Mike fought this horrible disease for almost 25 years. Over the years and many procedures/surgeries, Mike faced 10 reoccurrences of his cancer. He never once complained but faced this challenge like he faced things throughout his life; with grit and determination.

Due to Covid-19, services for Mike will be limited to immediate family only.  Rosary and service to be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Sunday, June 28th.  Burial service to follow Monday, June 29th at Ft Sam National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the following cancer research organizations to help find a cure for Bladder and Liver cancers:

- Dr. Robert Svatek Bladder Cancer Research Fund 210.567.5643

- MD Anderson Cancer Center,

- University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer research,

- St Luke’s Baptist Hospital  of San Antonio

- Or Cancer research organization of choice

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