In loving memory of

Dr. Gary W. Haese
October 18, 1949 - September 24, 2010

STOUGHTON- Doctor Gary William Haese died Friday, September 24, 2010 due to medical complications sustained from an accident outside his local orthodontic office.   He was born on October 18, 1949. He was the son of Royal and Leone Haese, and one of three children.  As a child, Gary grew up in Wauwatosa, later attending high school at Wauwatosa High. He continued his education, attending Holy Cross of Massachusetts on a football scholarship. Gary then went on to attend Lawrence University to complete his undergraduate degree in economics, where he met and fell in love with his wife Pam.   After his graduation, he attended Marquette University Dental School.   After completion of dental school, Gary served three years at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada as a dental officer in the Air Force. He went on to attend Washington University, St. Louis, where he received his degree in orthodontics and later went on to receive his ABO certification in orthodontics. Gary practiced orthodontics in both Stoughton and McFarland, having private practices there from 1982 to present.   G ary was a beloved husband, father, and brother. He took great joy in spending time with his loved ones. As a father, Gary was a very involved parent. He enjoyed watching his son Tom grow up playing hockey, never missing a game or practice. His oldest son, Bryan, was a member of the U of M cheerleading team. Gary loved attending the games and was without question, one of the loudest and proudest fans in the stands. His only daughter, Elizabeth was the oldest of his children. She carried on his favorite pastime of basketball. Teaching his daughter the ins and outs of the game was no doubt one of the highlights of his life.  Gary was a Badger fan, tried and true. He enjoyed attending basketball games and would do so as often as he could. Among his other recreational interests, Gary was a tinkerer. Those who knew him best describe him as a man who loved to work with his hands, someone who enjoyed the satisfaction of  completing a task himself.  From this aspect of his life, much of his character was derived. He was detailed and precise, able to complete any task with a steady hand. In addition, he was a problem solver. Whenever a problem presented itself, Gary was there, ready and willing to break down the issue at hand and took great pride in his ability to resolve them.  This was especially true with his love of cars. When he wasn't working or spending time with his family, Gary loved to work on the family cars. While many would find this a source of great frustration, it was quite the opposite for Gary. He found it therapeutic and loved spending his weekends outside under the hood of one of his cars.  In addition to these activities, Gary was active took part in many areas of the community. His son Bryan was a member of the Boy Scouts, an area in which Gary was quite involved.   This was also true of his participation in the Norwegian Dancer Organization.  His two sons were involved for a combined total of four years in that wonderful organization.  Gary enjoyed his participation in Friends of Norwegian Culture.  Gary was preceded in death by his brother Bill, mother Leone, and father Royal. He is survived by his wife Pam, daughter Elizabeth (Brian Swain), sons Bryan and Tom, and sister Janice Stampfl of San Diego.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Stoughton.  A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to St. Ann's Church, Dane County Humane Society, or Friends of Norwegian Culture.  Gary loved serving the people and families of Stoughton and McFarland. His family is grateful to the Stoughton EMS, Stoughton Hospital ER, and UW- Madison Trauma Center for their efforts on Gary's behalf.

Tributes

Tom Schee wrote on Oct 7, 2010:

"Dear Gary Haese Family: It is with a great sense of loss when we heard of Gary's death. We wanted to let you know that you have our greatest sympathy, and our hearts are truly saddened. Gary was more than just a wonderful person, he was so kind and considerate to our little girls when we first came to him for braces many years ago. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathy, The Thomas Schee Family "

Kristine Annen wrote on Sep 29, 2010:

"Dear Pam and family, I was so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. You always spoke so highly of him when you worked at the hospital Pam that you couldn't help but know what a wonderful man he was. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. Gary was an asset to the community and will not be forgotten."

Katy Aiello wrote on Sep 28, 2010:

"So sorry for your loss words can't express what you are going through right now. i remeber Dr. Haese from my days of wearing braces. He was a very kind man and orthodontist. Know that time will heal some of the pain. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time."

Tim Strandlie wrote on Sep 28, 2010:

"I was very saddened to hear of this tragedy. Dr. Haese was my orthodontist when I was a youth, so my relationship with him goes back well over 20 years. As an adult, when I went back for some additional work, I really enjoyed the visits. I enjoyed talking Badger Stoughton Viking sports with him and truly considered him a friend. "

Dan and Charlene Canny wrote on Sep 27, 2010:

"Dear Pam, Elizabeth, Bryan,and Tom, We want you to know that we are thinking of you tonight and will tomorrow as you are comforted in your sorrow by your family and many friends. There is nothing we can say or do to ease your pain. You have lost a wonderful husband and father and we have lost a fine man and a dear friend. We know you have only great memories of Gary and he will be with you always. Love, Dan and Charlene"

Beth Tomczyk wrote on Sep 27, 2010:

"From one Orthodontic family to another, we at Greater Madison Orthodontics want to let you know that we are so very sorry for the loss of such a special man. May you always hold the special memories shared with Dr. Haese close to your hearts. With Sympathy, Dr. Damian Fennig and Dr. Francisco Villalobos"

Greg Mauch wrote on Sep 27, 2010:

"My sincerest condolences to your family. Dr Haese was always such a pleasure to work with. Once he found out that I was a "Chevy Guy" he would always stop and talk to me about the new models. I will always remember him with a smile on his face."

Betsy Starkey wrote on Sep 26, 2010:

"Oh how shocked we all were with this very very sad news. Dr. Haese worked with my son for over 10 years to straighten his teeth and give him the confidence to smile. In that time we got to know him quite well. I had just made an appointment last Thursday to begin my daughter's orthodontic treatment. She was so excited to be his patient, instead of just the sister of a patient. Imagine the shock when Dr. Haese's office called on a Sunday to cancel her appt. I knew immediately that something was very wrong. Dr. Haese and I always talked sports - he was one of the few people I could talk to in this town about Bobby Knight. I am an IU graduate and he loved that!!!!! We talked Badger sports and football, and soccer and just about anything to do with sports. Most guys don't do that a lot with Girls! He was an extremely kind and gentle man. I will never ever forget him. The community has lost a great asset. I always thought it was so unique that his office was in a house next to the high school. It's as if the kids walked to a neighbor, rather than to a dr. I miss you Dr. Haese. Many, many people do. God bless you. And may your family and friends draw strength from the wonderful, positive things you did for our community, and for all the kids you helped say (and do) "SMILE!!!" Betsy S."