Thomas R. Haase

Thomas R. Haase of Knightstown passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024 at 87 years of age with his beloved wife of 64 years, Judy, at his side.

Born November 4, 1936 in Morgantown, IN to Maribel Winkler Haase and Louis Bryan Haase, Tom valued faith, family, and community.

After graduating from Knightstown High School in 1954 and serving in the United States Marine Corps, he pursued his passion for farming; owning and operating the Knightstown Elevator and Haase Farms until his retirement at the age of 80 years old in 2017.

Tom was an active member of the Knightstown United Methodist Church where he served in many roles throughout his 60 years of membership. He was also a member of the Knightstown Kiwanis Club, served on the Board of Trustees at the First National Bank, and was a board member with Indiana Grain and Feed for many years.

Tom lived and loved well. He married Judy Miller, the love of his life and partner in all things, on August 16, 1959. Together, they built a beautiful life on a strong foundation of faithfulness, family, and hard work. Tom enjoyed the company of family and friends, following his grandchildren’s many activities, and spending time in the sun, walking the beaches of Southwest Florida every year. A creature of habit, he was particularly fond of his morning coffee ritual, and relished inspecting the fields surrounding his home during planting and harvest long after his retirement. He would often share that the view from his porch of the sun setting over the crops was among his favorite sights in the world. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, and strength of character, which were apparent in all of his relationships and endeavors. He especially loved being part of the Knightstown community, which has continuously embraced and supported him and his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy, and their children: Bryan (Barbara) Haase of Knightstown, Tonya (Scott) Bryson of Lexington, KY, and Mark (Kristin) Haase of Knightstown; six grandchildren: Sarah (Andrew) Garthwaite, Andrew (Mary) Bryson, Joe (Megan) Haase, Caitlin (Austin) Schile, Benjamin Haase, and Lucas Haase; 5 great-grandchildren: Payton and Maddux Haase, and Jonas, Nolan, and Clayton Garthwaite; sister, Dee Ellen Jarboe of Carmel, IN; sister-in-law, Pat (George) Hill of Marion, IN; and several treasured nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by many loved ones: his parents, sisters Truth (Fran) Schiffhauer and Janice (Jack) Kendall, brothers Jeff Haase and Mike Haase, mother and father-in-law Helen and Ed Miller, brother-in-law Jerry Miller, and two very influential people in his life, Wilbur and Mabel Weimer of Knightstown.

The family will receive friends and family at Heritage Funeral Care, Knightstown, Indiana, from 3 - 7 pm Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Knightstown United Methodist Church with Pastor Ed van Wijk officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Cove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the youth ministries of Knightstown UMC, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

You may send the family a personal condolence at www.heritagefuneralcares.com.

The Hunt family and Heritage staff are honored to serve the family of Thomas Haase.