Alfred Haas

Alfred Haas, 93, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.  He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Anne; and six children Mary Clark (Tim) of Reno, NV; Rick (Kathy) of Laguna Niguel; Terri Zielinski (Mark) of Nipomo; Janet Smagala (John) of Reno, NV; David of Lindsay and Matthew (Lisa) of San Luis Obispo. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren:  Brian Clark, Patrick Clark, Dennis Haas, Scott Haas, Michael Zielinski, Andrew Smagala, Alex Smagala, Luke Smagala, David Haas Jr., Karissa Rios, Alexis Haas, Josie Haas, Kate McCarty and Parker McCarty.  Alfred had eight great-grandchildren: Sophia Clark, Macy Clark, Lakona Silva, Kolton, Kaitlyn Rios, Molly Rios, Siobhan Haas and Sean Haas. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Genevieve Haas, his sister, Victoria Lynch, and his brother, Henry (Hank) Haas.

Alfred was born in Oxnard and grew up in Simi Valley.  After he served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict, Alfred returned to Simi to begin his life-long career in farming. He was elected to the Park and Recreation Board there.

The family moved to Lindsay in 1965. Alfred grew citrus and served on the Navel Orange Administrative Committee for many years.  He was most proud of The Haas Improved Manzanilla Olive. He discovered an olive tree in one of his orange groves and later received a patent with the help of a horticulturist friend. Alfred enjoyed selling his olives and olive oil at the Visalia Farmers Market. He was the first olive vendor at the market and shared his produce there for over 30 years. At 89, Alfred proudly purchased a shaker to mechanically harvest his patented olives. He watched his final crop harvested in September 2021.

Alfred was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish in Lindsay and served on the Finance Committee. He also supported his children and community through his work with 4-H, the Lindsay Sister City Committee, and the Lindsay High School Boosters.

Alfred enjoyed crosswords puzzles, bowling, and golf. He loved to spend time with his family and share his barbecue and home-cured olives. He always enjoyed a bowl of ice cream or a homemade dessert. 

The Haas family would like to thank all the caregivers from Visiting Angels and All-Pro who provided kind and loving care in his final year.

A Rosary service will be held on Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m. and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Lindsay. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund. Checks can be sent to the church at 217 Lindero Avenue, Lindsay, CA  93247.

A Reception will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial building located at 1900 W. Olive, Porterville CA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfred Haas, please visit our floral store.