Racine – Jerome (Jerry) Henry Haas, 88, sailed away on peaceful waters, Saturday, October 29, 2016, at his home. A Racine native, born on August 6, 1928, was the son of Sam and Laura (nee, Jacobson) Haas. Jerome graduated from Horlick High School in 1946. He was a veteran, serving in the Army at the end of WWII and also served in Korea. Jerry married his wife of 51 years, Mary Louise Austin, on June 18,1949. He received a degree in Economics from Beloit College in 1953. Jerry and Mary had six children and moved between Rockford IL, Winneconne, WI and Racine with his 40 year career as an Industrial Engineer with the Case Company, returning to Racine permanently in 1970 and retiring in 1983. He has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 46 years serving in many roles including with his wife as youth leaders for the Methodist Youth Fellowship, ushering and singing in the choir until 2014, serving on numerous church committees, running the food pantry with his wife for many years and most recently, hauling tables for the Lift program to serve children with after school tutoring. Jerry was an avid sailor and never happier than when he was on a boat, a life long passion since being a child growing up on the Root River. Once their children were grown, he convinced his wife to serve as First Mate on their sailboat so they could sail for 5-6 weeks a summer on Lake Michigan and beyond. In the winter months they would travel in their van, visiting all fifty states. Family has been the focus of his life, and he was always supportive to his children's needs and ambitions. After his wife's passing he continued to be active and lived independently to the end. He spent several days a week visiting those who could no longer get out, lunching with old friends from Case, breakfasting with friends from Trinity, and always was willing and ready to help others. He is survived by his sister Betty Main and brother Donald Haas. Also surviving are his five children, their spouse/partners and thirteen grandchildren: Steven Haas (Michelle Zjala Winter), Laura and Jessica Haas; Randall (Alison Ford) Haas, Ramona and Wesley Haas; Susan (Michael Sommers) Haas, Alma, Zoe and Noah Sommers Haas; Jeff Haas (Debra Murphy), Alison and Lucille Haas; Rick (Patti) Haas, Trevor and Maren Haas; and son-in-law Dan Huck, Sara and Leigh AnnMary Huck. Also in the family are former-daughters-in-law Deb Lester and Linda Haas. Jerry Haas was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, daughter Melissa Huck and brother Warren James Haas. We recognize this good man that walked with us for 88 years and say good-bye with peace and joy. A celebration for Jerry will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3825 Erie Street, on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 5:30 with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment will be in Mound Cemetery with family on Saturday. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to Alliance for the Great Lakes or a charity of one's choice.