Josephine (Jo) Louise Haas, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on April 17, 2026. Jo was born in Milwaukee, WI to Marshall and Evelyn Ueeck. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Ronald (Ron), and her 3 daughters, Holly (Craig), Amy (Dan) and Jill (Bob). She was presided in death by her parents.

A native Milwaukean, Jo grew up in the Pigsville neighborhood, spending many summers with family in Waushara County on the farm.

She graduated from Juneau High School, and met the love of her life while attending UWM. Ron and Jo married in September of 1960.

Jo created a wonderful home for her 3 children, always welcoming friends and neighbors in. She was a wonderful seamstress, making clothes for the girls, and many were on display at a local fabric store. She was a go-getter for the channel 10/36 auctions. In the late 60s, Ron and Jo learned to sail, and bought their first boat in 1968. In the early 70s they decided to start racing sailboats, and joined South Shore Yacht Club in 1975. Life is always sunny on a sailboat!

Once the kids were all in school, mom held a variety of jobs before joining the operations team at Robert W. Baird, where she worked until her retirement in 1997. Jo loved history, art, travel, and people. She was a volunteer and tour docent for Historic Milwaukee. She was also a volunteer and Board member of the North Point Lighthouse, and a life member of the SSYC Auxiliary.

When Ron and Jo retired in 1997, they began to travel more. They sailed to the north channel, enjoyed Hawaii, Jamaica, and took numerous cruises, including to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. They bought a 5th wheel trailer and explored the U.S. enjoying the national parks, and found a community of wonderful friends at Travelers Rest Resort in Florida, where they spent many years as snowbirds.

A special thank you to her team of caregivers with Aurora Hospice, Jimmi, Jessica, and Karen who supported & guided her journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to The Mitchell Park Domes Spark program, Historic Milwaukee North Point Lighthouse, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held on July 12th at South Shore Yacht Club from 1 pm - 4pm. 2300 E Nock St, Milwaukee WI 53207

Kick butt and take names. Love your people. And don’t be afraid to talk to that friend you haven’t met yet.