Roberta L. (Thompson) Haase
ESCANABA — Roberta L. (Thompson) Haase, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, Mich.. Bobbie or Bob, as she was known to those who knew and loved her, was born on October 21, 1934, in Sioux City, Iowa. When she was six, she entered foster care with her siblings. The girls stayed together, living with various families and for a time at the Methodist Children’s Home Society near Detroit, Mich. Throughout her life, Bobbie remained grateful to the Methodist Church.
Bobbie graduated from Romeo High School in Romeo, Mich. in 1952. At 17 years old, she married Norman F. Haase on September 23, 1952, shortly before he deployed to Korea. Bobbie said that Norm’s parents treated her like a daughter immediately and they were wonderful to her. They were the family she had always wanted. Norm and Bobbie had two children, Denise and Dan, whom they were immensely proud of. In 1969, the family moved to Ford River, Mich., followed by Norm’s parents who lived nearby in Gladstone.
Bobbie worked in the Escanaba school system for 25 years, first as a secretary in the high school library and later at Ford River Elementary School. She often spoke of her time at Ford River, and her memories of the kids that went to school there. She enjoyed running into former students and hearing good news about their lives.
In retirement, she golfed and traveled with Norm, and watched their family grow. They went on many adventures together over their 69-year marriage. Bobbie will be remembered fondly for her warmth, kindness, and sense of humor. She was a dear friend to many.
Bobbie is survived by her sister, Betty Sancho; her children, Denise (Les) Wilson and Dan (Letty) Haase and her grandchildren, Sherry (Adam) Hughes, Kurt (Amber) Wilson, Danielle (Jeremiah) Haase, and Tyler Haase, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by Norm; his parents, Ernst and Karoline Haase; her parents, John Thompson and Florence Warner; and her brother, Eugene Thompson.
A private memorial service will be held later this year. Condolences may be sent to Denise Wilson c/o Crawford Funeral Homes, 302 South 13th Street, Escanaba, MI 49829. The family has chosen to give any monetary donations to the Methodist Children’s Home Society, in memory of Bobbie.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.