Obituary of John Robert Haaf

John Robert Haaf, 53, passed away on October 9th 2024 from a courageous battle with colon cancer surrounded by his family. He was born on July 8th 1971 to Leroy (Butch) and Jan Haaf.

John graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1989. After which he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his time serving his country John spent time stationed in Charleston, South Carolina where he and his wife were recently able to visit with their children. He then started working for the Star Tribune where he worked for 26 years, until he passed. 

In 1991 John married his highschool sweetheart, Tania Westrum. Together they raised a beautiful family that included 3 children and countless beloved pets. John loved fishing with his dad, playing golf, cheering on the Wild, and doing anything he could do with his family.

John follows his mother Jan Haaf and father in law Leif Westrum to heaven.

John will be survived by his wife, Tania Haaf; daughter, Erica (Mathew) Tarrant; sons, Josh and Noah Haaf (Johnna Rowe); Father, Butch Haaf; siblings, Patti (Troy) Weitgenant, Mike (Jodie) Haaf, Ann (TJ) Smith; Mother in law, Mary Jo Westrum; Sister in law, Tammy (Keith) Bakey; Brother in law, Jason (Amy) Westrum; Nieces and Nephews, Chris (Erica,Henry and Riley), Ryan (Talia), Brooke (Blair), Courtney, Brianna, Maddy, Anna, Blake, Elli, Jacob and Ryleigh; Best friend, Eric Kolpin. Along with countless other people whose lives John touched.

There will be a private burial service at Fort Snelling with immediate family.  A celebration of life for John Robert Haaf will be held at the Coon Rapids Civic Center  at 11155 Robinson Dr, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 on Wednesday October 30th, 2024 from 5:30PM-8:30PM with food provided.

In lieu of flowers, Please let everyone know to get their colonoscopy and send any donations to the team at Minnesota Oncology - Fridley in John's honor. They were so helpful in John's treatment and showed love and care for him and his family.

Minnesota Oncology - Fridley                                                                                                                                              480 Osborne Rd. NE, Suite 220, Fridley, MN 55432

We want to thank everyone at St Croix Hospice with their love, care and support for John and our family.  And to Samantha at Cremation Society of Minnesota.