Francis Haars

Francis Joseph Haars, 95, of Geneseo died Friday, April 24, 2015 at Good Samaritan Village, Geneseo.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28th at Stackhouse-Moore Funeral Services, 225 E. Park St., Geneseo.  Rev. Melva Graham England and Rev. Mark England Graham will officiate.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo with military rites by Don Cherry Post 5083 VFW.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Francis Haars memorial fund.

Francis was born December 4, 1919 in rural Geneseo the son of Pollie and Natalie (Boone) Haars.  He married Betty Wert on June 14, 1941 in Geneseo.  She died on Dec. 5, 2010.  Francis had served in the U.S. Army during WW II having served in numerous battles including Battle of the Bulge where he was taken as POW.  He earned a Purple Heart as well as many other honors.  Francis had worked at the John Deere Harvester Works, East Moline for 38 years retiring in 1982.

Francis had been a former member of Geneseo Moose Lodge.  He and his wife enjoyed dancing at many area dance spots including the Flemish American Club in Kewanee.    Francis also enjoyed taking care of his yard and garden and listening to Big Band music.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Duane and Lynne Haars, Geneseo, Gary and Sharon Haars, Chattanooga, TN, and Steve and Jodi Haars, Geneseo; five grandchildren, Kristi (Stan) La Sota, Michael (Nikki) Haars, Carey Haars, Jenifer (Matt) Salmon, and Cody Haars; six great grandchildren, Jessica, Joshua, Mason, Colby, Reece, and Nash; and a sister-in-law, Bev Gustafson..  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, a grandson, David, twin brother Fred, sister Corrine Harmon, half- brother, John Haars and half-sister, Louise DeReu.

Video Tribute may be viewed and condolences expressed by visiting Francis’ obituary at www.stackhousemoore.com