Dick Haats

Dick Haats was born in Raymond, MN on November 14, 1920, to Theodore and Adelaide Haats. He was baptized at the Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City, and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Raymond. He graduated from Raymond High School in 1938. Dick served in the United States Army from 1942-1945. On October 23, 1951, he married Myrtle Sell. Dick worked for Boelter's in Raymond as a parts man for many years before moving to Echo, MN to run a hardware store with his brother Ed. After a few years, he returned to the parts business as a salesman for Wogan Auto Electric in Montevideo, MN which he eventually purchased with Ron Wollschlager and renamed to R&D Auto Supply. Later, Buck Jacobs joined them as a third partner. Dick operated R&D Auto Supply until his retirement. He continued to work part-time for Orschelen's farm store for a few more years before retiring altogether to enjoy his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with his friends and family. He was an active church member throughout his life. In 2009, Dick & Myrtle moved to The Woodlands, TX to be near their son and his family. He enjoyed the warm weather in Texas. Dick Haats passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Myrtle; his children, Kathy (and Don) Evans of Des Moines, IA, and Richard (and Christine) Haats of The Woodlands, TX; his loving grandchildren, Lucas and Rachel Evans, and Rebecka, Sara, and Eric Haats; one brother Theodore, Jr. (and Christine) Haats of Raymond; two sisters, Alice Huisenga of Raymond and Adeline (and Orville) Klemenhagen of Willmar; two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Haats of Raymond and Muriel Haats of Clara City; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John, Edward, Alvin, and Albert Haats; and two sisters, Tillie Freese and Kate Hoppe.