Thomsa Eleanor Haas

Thomsa "Tommy" E. Haas (nee Stewart)

Tommy Haas died peacefully in her sleep on March 6, 2026, at the age of 91. A long-time resident of Grinnell, she helped found the Grinnell Community Daycare Center and taught there for many years before becoming one of Grinnell-Newburg Community School District's most beloved elementary school teachers. She was also an active parishioner with the United Church of Christ Congregational (Grinnell UCC). She is remembered by former students and fellow parishioners as a cheerful, thoughtful, compassionate woman who was devoted to issues of childhood education, civil rights, social justice, and inclusion.

A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, Tommy received a Masters degree in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary, NYC, where she met and married Dennis W. Haas, professor and chaplain at Grinnell College from 1966-1996. After their four children were all in school, Tommy became certified in Elementary Education through courses at Grinnell College. Over the years she taught 6th grade, Chapter One math and finally 1st grade, her favorite.

Tommy was a dedicated UCC member, teaching Sunday School, serving as church moderator, working in the state level Women's Coordinating Committee and participating in classes and fundraisers. She was passionate about PEO, League of Women Voters, was chair of her local voting precinct, a member of the Poweshiek Co. Retired Teachers Assn. and the local Levart Club. She supported Global Volunteers with whom she took a number of her grandchildren on international volunteer trips to teach English. She loved learning and traveling, knitting, scrapbooking and reading (especially about the Underground Railroad).

The daughter of W. Rolland and Eleanor Stewart, Tommy was born on March 28, 1934, in Louisville, KY. She is survived by children Jonathan Haas (Deborah), Andrew Haas (Sarah), Elizabeth Haas, daughter-in-law Constance Jordan-Haas, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Tommy is preceded in death by parents W. Rolland and Eleanor Stewart, brother John R. Stewart, husband Dennis W. Haas, and son David S. Haas.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for Friday, March 27th at 1 pm at Grinnell UCC, 902 Broad Street, with refreshments to follow in the church's Friendship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Tommy's honor to these two organizations:

UCC Community Preschool (Make a Donation or mail: PO Box 322, Grinnell, IA 50112).

Grinnell Community Early Learning Center (DONATE or mail: 1436 Penrose Street, Grinnell, IA 50112).