Former Winnebago County Judge Robert Haase passes away

It has just come to my attention that former Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Robert Haase passed away last evening after a battle with cancer. During my time as a reporter and before he retired, I had the pleasure and honor of covering several court cases Judge Haase presided over, and following his retirement I was privileged to have him as a guest on the show to talk about his many years on the bench. I always found him to be thoughtful, reasonable and always concerned with seeing that the interests and rights of all parties were fairly represented. I think he set a standard for judicial excellence during his many years of service and was admired by both prosectors and defense attorneys for setting the bar as high as he did. He will surely be missed.

A service in celebration of his life will be held this Friday, July 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church at the southwest corner of Algoma Boulevard and Division Street (311 Division or 203 Algoma) in Oshkosh. Judge Haase was a member of First Congregational Church, but because FCC's sanctuary is currently undergoing repairs and renovation, it is unavailable for use. So Trinity, being right across the street, is graciously allowing the service to be held there.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 South Westhaven Drive (across from St. Raphael’s). There will also be a short visitation held one hour before Friday morning's service at the church.

Please keep Judge Haase's family, loved ones and friends in your prayers this week, and in the weeks to come, that they might find comfort, strength, and hope in one another, their many friends, and their faith in a God who shares their sorrow.

Rest in peace, Judge Haase.