Lawrence J. "LJ" Haase

     Lawrence J. “LJ” Haase, 85, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis in Davenport after a short illness. He spent his final days surrounded by his adoring family sharing memories and song.

     LJ was born on February 4, 1940, in Cole Camp, Missouri, to Lawrence and Susie (Fowler) Haase. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, a time in his life he spoke of with great pride and gratitude.

     On May 3, 1968, LJ married his soulmate, Beverly S. Carter, in his hometown of Cole Camp. Their love story spanned 57 wonderful years filled with laughter, adventures, family, and deep devotion to each other.

     LJ enjoyed a long and varied career which began with working for the Rock Island Railroad, and then continuing to Plasser American Corporation, a company that made equipment for railroads. He was responsible for operations in North America, and the job took him across the United States as well as Europe and Asia. Never to shy away from a new challenge, he returned to school later in life to become an electronics technician. He worked in the computer and electronics industry in the Quad Cities from 1992 until his retirement in 2005.

     LJ lived a full and active life. In his younger years he played minor league baseball and fought as a golden glove boxer. Later he became an avid tennis player, golfer, and bicyclist. He embraced each new endeavor with enthusiasm. He completed seven RAGBRAI rides across Iowa, several Bix-7 Road Races and when gardening peaked his interested, earned certification as a Master Gardener. In recent years, LJ found great joy and new friendships at the Silver Sneaker classes at the YMCA.

     One of his great joys in life was cheering on his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren on fields and courts across the country. From youth sports through college and beyond he was omnipresent as a vocal and loving champion for his family. But, more than anything, LJ loved sharing his music. With a guitar in hand and a song in his heart, “The Cowboy” brought warmth and happiness wherever family and friends gathered. Playing “gigs” with amazing musicians across the Quad Cities in a warm social environment was perhaps the highlight of his final years.

     He is survived by his beloved wife Beverly; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Becky Haase of Wayland, Massachusetts; and his cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn Haase of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Jake Haase of New York, New York. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Bette and Don Fowler of Kearney, Missouri; nieces Kristine Bailey, Melissa (and Darin) Ritter, nephew Chad (and Jessie) Fowler, great nieces and nephews; Blake, Claire and Grace Bailey, Bailey and Caden (and Whitney) Ritter and Cameron and Izzy Fowler. He also leaves behind his favorite sister-in-law Barbara Carter and brother-in-law Jim Kall of Donahue, Iowa.

     LJ was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Susie Haase, and his parents-in-law, Irven and Elizabeth Carter.

     Stay tuned. A celebration of LJ’s life will be held soon.

     Good Ride, Cowboy!