Goodwin "Butch" Dorance Hass, Jr.

Goodwin Dorance “Butch” Hass, Jr., from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Cape Coral, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, just days after celebrating his 80th birthday. Born on December 11, 1945, in La Crosse, WI, to Goodwin and Leone Hass, Butch was a true La Crosse native who spent nearly his entire life in the community he deeply loved.

After graduating from Central High School, Butch joined the United States Navy in 1963, serving his country for three years and earning the National Defense Service Medal. He returned to La Crosse soon after his service and worked as an electrician for the La Crosse Phone Company. These experiences served Butch well as he was a “fixer” of many types of mechanicals and was always ready to assist others in need of help.

Goodwin married his partner in life, Patricia Gale Kramer, on June 10, 1967. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage together and treasured their two children, Carmen and Justin, along with their spouses and children. The family’s dogs, especially Goody, brought him wonderful companionship, as well.

Butch was an entrepreneur, with an infectious passion for making deals. Together with his beloved wife Patty, he started numerous ventures that brought employment opportunities for many people in the La Crosse area. From retail jewelry, pet supply, and western wear stores to working as the rigging manager for American Marine, Butch had an indefatigable work ethic. His determination resulted in immense success with La Crosse Mail and Print and the formation of The Fenigor Group, which acquired the La Crosse Rubber Mills, fondly known to many as Boot Hill. Butch’s sharp mind and charismatic personality defined him, along with his love for socializing with family and friends.

Butch was also a collector. He kept everything and saw value in most items, like clocks, tools, and cars – ’57 Chevys being his favorite.

Butch will be forever loved and missed by his daughter, Carmen (Jay) Hass-Michel of La Crosse; and son, Justin (Jessica Bolger) Hass of La Crosse; grandchildren: Declan, Keelan and Ayslan Hass; and his faithful dog, Goody.

Butch is survived by siblings and friends who will miss him dearly: sister, Karen Johnson of Lakeville, MN; brother, Terry (Mary Sue) Hass of Onalaska, WI; sister, Patricia (Bob) Formanek of La Crosse/Cape Coral, FL; sister, Diane Cooley of La Crosse, WI; sister, Marilyn (Doug) Quinn of La Crescent, MN/Cape Coral, FL; sister, Teresa (Ron) Martin of Cedar Falls, IA; sister, Linda (Terry) Greene of La Crosse/Cape Coral, FL; and special friends, Sprocket and Dave, along with numerous others.

Butch is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, parents Goodwin Sr. and Leone Hass, and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Boot Hill Pub's Dock 7 banquet facility, 1501 St Andrew St, La Crosse, WI 54603. The Hass family would like to thank Agrace Hospice Services for the wonderful care and support provided to Butch and his family.