Irene E. Haas

Irene Eleanor Haas passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Golden Orchards in Fennville. Born on May 23, 1930, in Otsego, she was the daughter of Charles and Ida (Herbst) Kling.

A proud graduate of Otsego High School in 1948, Irene dedicated much of her life to the service of others. As a young woman she started working at Harding’s Market in Otsego before moving to Saginaw. There she worked with compassion and skill as a nurse at Saginaw General Hospital until her retirement, after which she continued supporting her community by running a daycare for several years. Her commitment to care and nurture extended beyond her professional life into her personal endeavors.

Irene was a longtime active member of Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego, where her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She found joy in knitting, gardening, reading, coloring, and painting ceramics.

She is survived by her children, Gordon (Nora) Haas and Eda McNees; grandchildren, Luke (Tarin) Tripp, Kim (Travis) Tynes, Melissa (Dennis) Hendricks, Heather Tripp, and Teresa (Mark) Haynes; grandson-in-law, Craig Orndorff; 12 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Irene also held a special place in her heart for Cody (Dana) VanSparrentak, who was like a son to her, along with his children. Also survived are her sister-in-law, Ann Kling, and several nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Olivia Orndorff; son-in-law, Bill McNees; and her siblings, Esther (Bill) Peterson, Minna (Norm) Pike, Carl (Irma) Kling, Alice (Clare) Drake, Raymond (Wanda) Kling, Caroline Kling, Edward (Glenda) Kling, Leonard (Pat) Kling, Richard Kling, and Donald (Shirley) Kling.

Friends may visit with Irene’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego, until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.

Contributions in memory of Irene may be directed to Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego, the American Heart Association or Wings of Hope Hospice.

 Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.