Michael Eugene Haas, age 64, passed away in Burlington, Iowa on August 25th, 2026. Michael was born on September 27, 1961, in Smith Center, Kansas to Fredrick and Thadene (Lehmann) Haas. Michael grew up on a farm in Smith Center, KS. As a child and teenager, he spent time farming with his father. Michael often recalled making two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after school and running off to do chores. Michael drove the grain cart and always enjoyed harvest. He attended Smith Center High School. He played football and the trombone in band. In 1979, Michael graduated from high school and continued farming. In 1981, he enlisted in the United States Army. Michael was a US Army Desert Storm Veteran, Staff Sergeant. His rank was E6 and he was Supervisor of Maintenance, specifically working on tanks. He was a member of the Army National Guard until his retirement in 2001.

Michael married Kristi Seems and from this union, they had two children. Jenna was born in 1985 and Trever in 1990. This marriage ended in divorce shortly thereafter. Michael spent most of his life living in McPherson, Kansas. He drove a semi-truck for Smithway Motor Xpress and then drove for Crete Carrier. Michael’s trucking career spanned 32 years, in which he logged many miles and states. One of his greatest trucking moments was being selected to drive the Patriot Truck. He was a road mentor and cared strongly about road safety and teaching other drivers to be safe. Driving for Crete Carrier allowed him a route which enabled him to see his son and granddaughter in North Dakota. On these trips, he was able to spend time at the dirt track races with his son, Trever. Many special moments were made during these times. Michael retired from trucking in 2020.

In retirement, Michael was found serving his community in other ways. He completed the police academy and was a peace officer in Bentley, KS. He became an EMT and was Firefighter 1 for the Bentley Fire Department. Various city jobs included mowing, snow plowing, painting, road repair and other roles. He was Vice President of the HOA and farmed during harvest. Farming was always one of his happiest times. Michael was a member of The American Legion Sterling Post 128 and Hutchinson Chapter 68. He was Sergeant in Arms and held the Road Guard position. He spent many hours planning routes, making phone calls and driving the route before the motorcycle trip. In other spare time, he loved dirt track racing with his son, Sunday afternoons reserved for NASCAR, taking care of his lawn, ice cream with his daughter, going to the movies with his wife and being involved with his grandkids. Every chance he could, Michael would ride his motorcycle.

Michael married the love of his life in 2019. They met through work at Crete Carrier where they quickly began team driving. They were married 9 weeks after meeting. Since retirement, he has lived his best life. Michael was happiest when with his wife, serving others and riding his motorcycle. He loved his children and grandchildren. To know him was to see him smile and hear him laugh. He probably pulled a joke on you too.

He is survived by his wife Terri Haas of Bentley, KS, daughter Jenna (Tyler) Schroeder of McPherson, KS and Trever Haas of Minot, North Dakota. He is survived by four grandchildren Gage (13), Jackson (10), Gavin (5) and Lydia (6). He had three bonus children, Christopher Scott of Virginia and Jacob Scott of Idaho, and Rebekah Scott. Bonus grandchildren are Keona, Alana, Lilly, Brooklyn, and Roman. Let’s not forget the cats he loved to say he hated, Hemi and Sassy.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Thadene Haas and a sister Michelle.

Michael will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM at The American Legion Hall in Hutchinson, KS.