William Peter Haag's Obituary
Funeral services for William Peter Haag, 91, of Leesville, will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 19, 2021 in the Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Michiels officiating. Burial will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville.
Visitation will be Monday, April 19, 2021 from 9:00 A.M– 10:30 A.M in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville.
Haag graduated from Presentation Academy Catholic School in Whittemure, Iowa in May of 1949. He entered the United States National Guard on December 2, 1948, as an inactive reservist. He was called to active duty on September 11, 1950. His first assignment was to Service Battery 194 Field Artillery and was stationed at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. His time at Camp McCoy lasted two years at which time his Battalion was transferred to Wurzburg, Germany. His overseas tour of duty in Germany lasted for four years. Mr. Haag remained in the National Guard until June of 1956 as an active duty reservist, and around that point he entered into the regular Army as a United States soldier. He earned his ranks quickly, being promoted to Staff Sergeant Major in 1975. His new assignment that followed his new position was the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Virginia. While there, his primary duty was to serve as the Commandant of Cadets as well as the Operations Officer. It was after he was assigned to the ROTC Department that Mr. Haag received his promotion to Command Sergeant Major. He was once again transferred overseas to Germany for a period of one year to serve his Locs in Appointment. Upon returning stateside to Fort Polk, Louisiana, Mr. Haag retired from the United States Army as a Command Sergeant Major on August 31st, 1977, at the high point of his career. The Commander of the base offered a parade in honor of Mr. Haag’s dutiful service to his country, however, Mr. Haag declined, asking only that the troops be allowed a day off.
Three weeks past retirement, Mr. Haag became employed by Louisiana State Civil Service. He gave ten more years of his time to the state before retiring yet again. In an effort to remain busy, Mr. Haag went to work for Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville for another eight years. While working for his church, he attended classes at night at Northwestern University working toward two separate degrees. He attained an Associate’s Degree in General Studies and a Bachelor Degree of Arts, both in 1986. He was a member of the American Legion Retired Military Post 387 in New Llano, Louisiana, where he served as the District Chaplain for several years.
He was a very active member of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. He held several positions within the church community, especially with the Knights of Columbus Council # 4156, Leesville District. Not only was he the Grand Knight for the K of C, he also held the office of District Deputy for six years and Faithful Navigator for Msgr. Piegay Assembly through Alexandria for four consecutive terms.
William is preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and two sisters.
Left to cherish his memory is his son; Deither John Haag of Conroe, TX, sister-in-law; Judy Haag of Whittemore, IA., several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the 3rd & 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Haag Family at www.labbymemorial.com
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