Jerry (Gerald) Francis Haas was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on November 18, 1943, to Joe and Margaret ( Keegan) Haas. He spent all of his early years growing up on the family farm outside of Inwood, Ia . He and his older brother, Jim were always up to something , like shooting Aunt Jenny's chickens out of the trees or trying to blow up something with their home made shells. He was known as King, as in king of the road by all of his friends around Inwood because he had the fastest car in Lyon and Sioux County.

He went to country school until 2nd grade when he started at Inwood School and graduated from West Lyon School in 1962, the first class to do so. He always said when he walked on to the football field they always played "Mr. touchdown " . But everyone knows his first love after his family was pulling wrenches on anything. He could take any motor or engine apart and throw it in a pile. When it was back together there wasn't a piece left over.

He moved from Inwood to the lake around 1976, and worked at Gibson Sporting Goods for many years and Okoboji Boats until it was sold. He than went to work for Mike Kidd at Kidd Construction as a mechanic and worked there until he no longer could because of illness.

He was baptized and confirmed at St Mary's Church in Rock Valley, Ia, and along with his brother, Jim was an alter boy for many years.

Jerry and Sal loved to ride motorcycles and enjoyed many trips around the lakes on them. He loved to fish and hunt. He mentored many young men in the marine industry and many of the marine mechanics today were taught by him.

He married Sally Herrick McClelland on June 7, 1979, at St Mary's in Spirit Lake, and became an instant dad to Tim and Paul Mc Clelland. He was a great husband and Father and taught his sons how to be a great dad and husband and loved them all so much. His 3 grandchildren where his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years Sal of SL; sons, Tim & Cristi Mc Clelland of Vermillion, SD, Paul and Kate Mc Clelland of Salida, Co; brother, Jim (JJ) Haas of Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Rupert and Deb Herrick of Ft. Collins, Co; grandchildren, Emily (18) and Hannah (14) of Vermillion and Neil Haas McClelland (2.5) of Saluda, Co; 6 nephews; 13 great nieces and nephews; and many wonderful cousins. Very special friends, Tom Clary, Brian Jewell and Brian Cerny He has been a great blessing to all and his kindness was felt by many. He will also be missed by "Sadie Mae, Tina Marie and Lucy Bell." They will really miss their treats from Dad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Margaret Haas; Dr Rupert and Beulah Herrick; sister-in-law, Susan Herrick; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

God Bless you Jerry Haas! We will love you to the moon and back always and forever.

He was a member of St Joesphs Church in Milford, Ia.

A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held at 11:00A.M. Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Schuchert Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Thursday, from 4:00P.M. until 7:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date in Pomeroy, Iowa.

Source - http://www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com/