HAAS, Walter K., 85, of Cooper City, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, December 8, 2016. He was born on April 26, 1931, in Karisruhe, Germany, to the late Karl Haas and Karolina (Voelkle) Haas.Walter and his new bride, Marianne, came to America from Germany in 1953 and became American citizens. He proudly served in the American Army and was honorably discharged in 1962. That same year, Walter opened a sign and printing company which is being operated to this day by second and third generation family members in Hialeah. He was a man of utmost integrity and was deeply respected by his employees, customers and vendors. Among Walter’s greatest accomplishments was his marriage to Marianne for 63 years. He was also an avid golfer and a highly regarded two-term President of the German American Society of Hollywood. Preceded in death by his son, Gary Haas. Survived by his devoted wife, Marianne Haas; daughter, Christine (David) Lohmeyer; son, Patrick (Arlyn) Haas; grandchildren, Alison Day, Michael Haas, Brandon Haas, Christopher Haas, Jordan Lohmeyer, Jesse Lohmeyer and Alexandra Haas. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel. Tributes of a Lifetime Service will begin promptly ay 7:00 p.m

By Brandon Haas:  I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to attend and remember the life of Walter Haas. For those who don’t know me, I am Brandon. Walter was my grandfather, or as his grandchildren affectionately call Opa.

He lived a life that was full of pride, joy, and happiness.

He took pride in starting Walter Haas Advertising in 1962, now Walter Haas Graphics and still in operation today. Anyone who knew Opa knows of his generosity, work ethic, humility and selflessness.

He demonstrated these traits again and again through both his business dealings, and his decades of volunteer work at the German American Club.

Whatever he was involved in, he made sure that it was done the right way. He never cut corners; He always made sure others were happy. One thing he said that I will never forget.

Look people straight in the face, say what you mean, and mean what you say and show them respect.

His generosity, work ethic, humility and selflessness are all qualities that I admire him for, and qualities I myself aspire to.

There are many memories we share. When I was 12 years old, Oma and Opa took Chris and myself on a trip across Europe for 2 weeks, which was basically a lifetime for a 12 year old. Every detail was flawlessly planned, with each destination serving a unique purpose. We visited family, mountains, forests, river locks, castles, carnivals. At the first attraction, we bought a walking stick, which really looks more like a cane. At each point of interest we bought insignias which we mounted to a cane, together. I have that cane here.

Prior to our Europe trip, he gave Chris and me a class in German. He made lesson plans, lectures, work books, and homework assignments. We had a weekly German class right in his living room. What more could a grandchild ask for?

The support I have received from him throughout my 31 years has been truly amazing. I can’t recall a function or event of mine in which he wasn’t there. Birthdays, Graduations, you name it. He was always there to support and cheer me on. I had even asked him for a full time job after graduating college, without hesitation, he said he would put me to work, and that he did.

In conclusion, he will be missed dearly. I hope to someday become half the man he was. People like my grandfather are one in a million.

Albert Einstein once said, “Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.”

So let us celebrate my grandfather’s life and continue his legacy. Thank you Opa. I love you, and will miss you.