Sparta, WI - Kenneth LaVern (Shorty) Hass, age 76, of Sparta, WI, formerly of Shakopee, MN, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Lakeview Health Center and Assisted Living in West Salem, WI. He had lived with multifactorial dementia and frontotemporal degeneration for four years.

Ken was born in Viroqua, WI, on September 8, 1949, to Edward and Mathilda (Fladhammer) Hass, the second of three children. He grew up in Stoddard and was a member of the high school track team, graduating from De Soto Area Schools in 1968. On October 26, 1968, he married Patricia Joan Collier, and together they had a daughter, Paula. Patricia passed away in 1970.

Ken will be forever missed by his wife of 21 years, Carole; daughter, Paula (Patrick) Brennan; two grandsons, Tanner (Mary) Leaveck, Logan (Samantha) Leaveck; and two great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Lucille Leaveck. Ken is also survived by his brother, Ernest (Sandy) Hass; sister, Ruth Bjornstad; nephews and niece, Ricky (Shelly) Hass, Randy (Teresa) Hass, Ronda Pruett, Mark (Michelle) Hendrickson, and Frederick (Tricia) Hendrickson, and many great-nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia; his parents; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Hendrickson and Gary Bjornstad.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 8, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 12700 Marystown Road, Shakopee, MN, with visitation from 10am to 11am, followed by a memorial service at 11am.