Andrea Martha Haase

Andrea Haase, 82, of Benson, Minnesota, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 9, 2023.  She died peacefully but unexpectedly at Julia’s Place in Hancock of complications after a long battle with lung cancer.  Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Friday, July 14 at the Evangelical Free Church in Kerkhoven.  Visitation will continue from noon to 1pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1pm, on Saturday July 15, at the church.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Andrea was born February 3, 1941 to Enoch and Ruth (Ostlie) Norum in Ames, Iowa.  When she was in elementary school, the family moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where her father became a professor at North Dakota State University (NDSU).  From an early age, her passion for music blossomed.  She found great joy in playing the viola and listening to orchestral music.  After graduating from high school in Fargo, she attended Concordia College then NDSU, where she graduated with a degree in education.

While at NDSU, she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Haase.  They were married at First Lutheran Church in Fargo on June 22, 1963.  Shortly thereafter, the happy couple lived in Montana, where Bob worked as an engineer on the construction of Yellowtail Dam.  Later, they moved to Elmer City, Washington, where Bob worked on Grand Coulee Dam.  Along the way, they had three daughters, and parenthood brought them great delight.   In 1972, their young family moved to Afghanistan, where Bob worked for the U.S. government on irrigation projects.  After spending 18 months there, they moved to Benson, MN to work on the family farm.  While in Benson, they were blessed with a fourth child, a son.  They settled in Benson for the long run, raising their children and developing deep roots in the community for 40+ years.

As a devoted wife, Andrea exemplified the true meaning of partnership and unwavering support.   Together, they created a nurturing and joyful home for their children.  Establishing their family on a biblical worldview was very important to them, and Bob and Andrea were among a small group that started the Benson Christian School, which all four of their children attended.  Andrea spent countless hours investing in the students, from assisting with lessons to making lunches to helping with Bible memory verses.

Her faith in God was the foundation of Andrea's life. She drew strength from her relationship with Jesus Christ, and she lived with an unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether through volunteering, offering a listening ear, or providing a word of encouragement, she embodied the true essence of compassion and kindness. She touched the lives of countless individuals with her warm heart and gentle spirit.

Andrea enjoyed being involved in the community.  She and Bob were longtime active members of the Evangelical Free in Church in Kerkhoven, and she enjoyed connecting with her Norwegian heritage through involvement in the Sons of Norway.

Andrea was always attuned to the needs of others before her own.  When the family sat down for meals, she rarely sat down herself, popping up at every opportunity to serve them.  She had an uncanny ability to remember people’s birthdays and anniversaries, without prompting from a calendar.  She loved sending cards for special occasions or notes of encouragement just because.  She prayed often and fervently for others and for our world.  Andrea was dedicated to lifelong learning, and a little known fact is that she was quite interested in the space program.  She was known for her warm smile, which would light up a room. She gave generously of her time, talent, and treasure, as she believed that all of these things were gifts from the Lord to be shared with others.

Andrea is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Bob, as well as her children and their spouses, Betsy (Dave) Russ, Greenwood, SC;  Kristin (Cameron) Platts, Montgomery Village, MD; Joann (Don) Wilson, Lamar, MO; and David (Kathryn) Haase, Murdock, MN.  Andrea also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren, Samuel, Sophie, Freddy and Zeke, who brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.

She is further survived by her beloved siblings, Robert (Majorie) Norum; Tom (Candy) Norum; and Mary (Allen) Hoberg, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A special thank you is extended to the staff at Julia’s Place in Hancock and Bethesda Grand in Willmar for their wonderful care of our mother.