..BLAIR, Wis. - Marita H. (Weisensel) Haase, of Blair, Wis., (formerly of Juneau and Beaver Dam) succumbed to colon cancer on May 11, 2011, at Franciscan Skemp Nursing Home of Arcadia, Wis.

She was born in the Reeseville, Wis. area to Ignatius and Ellanora (Roffeis) Weisensel on Jan. 16, 1927, Marita met and married Robert J. Haase at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyman, on Oct. 13, 1949. Together for 51 years, they had six children and farmed near Juneau, Wis., until Robert's passing on Nov. 3, 2000.

Though Marita had worked away from home at a young age as housekeeper, caretaker and canning factory worker, she was an equal partner in her marriage to Bob as wife, mother and co-farmer. That wonderful partnership can be demonstrated in how they worked together to repair farm machinery - Marita would watch as Bob took it apart to ensure that no pieces would remain when he put it back together.

Marita and Robert were known for their compassion; and at various times in their life, shared their home with those in need offering an understanding ear, a loving heart, a cup of coffee and a loaf of bread or one of Marita's famous donuts. Together they prayed, worked, were involved in their church, and lived.

After sale of the farm, Marita resided in Beaver Dam at Keystone Apartments for several years; and was fondly remembered for her loud music, whistling and assisting others. For the last two years, Marita lived with her daughter, Judt, and family in Blair.

Marita was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; daughter, Anne; parents and siblings, Marcellus, Reeseville; Linas (Johnny), Reeseville; Leon, Reeseville; Cyrilla (Pat) Reed, Milwaukee; Bernard, Milwaukee.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Barbara (Arthur) of Juneau, and son, Arthur; Judt (Arden) of Blair, and daughters, Paula, Claudia, Lydia; Rev. Howard, Waukesha; Joseph (Cheryl) of Horicon, and children, Jared (Jayna), Kayla; Loraine (Tony) of Alma Center, and children, Josh, Genevieve, Mariama, Mahalia; and her siblings, Donald (Vernette) of Watertown, Marilynn (Bill) of Delafield, Arnold (Yvonne) of Watertown, Adrian (Joan) of Iron Ridge, Ignatius (Rosie) of Columbus, Magdalene of St. Francis; and many nieces and nephews.

Marita enjoyed life and family; music and dancing; baking bread and donuts; canning; gardening; and playing cards. She was a wise soul and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, Tuesday, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with closing prayer at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral service will follow on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at St. Isidore Cemetery, Clyman.

Please honor Marita by sending any memorial donations to a charity of your choice or to St. Katharine Drexel School, 503 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

Berndt - Ledesma Funeral Home is serving the family. View their web site at www.berndt-ledesma.com.