Bernard "Ben" Martin Haslag, Sr.

Bernard “Ben” Martin Haslag, Sr., age 90, of Loose Creek, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Westphalia Hills in Westphalia. 

Ben was born on August 3, 1933, in Loose Creek, a son to the late Conrad, Sr. and Gertrude (Orscheln) Haslag. 

Ben attended Immaculate Conception School in Loose Creek.

On May 7, 1955, he was united in marriage to Constance “Connie” D. Frank at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.  Connie survives at their home.

From 1954 until 1974, Ben was a poultry buyer and hauler while raising hogs and children. In 1969, Ben purchased and operated a school bus for the Osage County R-3 School District, and Immaculate Conception School in Loose Creek. He continued that service for 35 years.   

Ben was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Loose Creek and served on the parish council. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus #4838, a Golden Age member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2693, served on the Linn Township Special Road District and a board member of the Linn Rural Fire Department. Ben also served as an Osage County Commissioner, helped build and organize the Loose Creek Ballpark and was influential in being the first to organize black topped streets in Loose Creek. He was very active in local activities, assisted in parking cars for funerals and was a member of Loose Creek Senior Citizens. 

Ben enjoyed watching the Cardinals play on TV with his daughter, bowling, horseshoes, playing cards, dancing, and gardening. He also loved barbequing and making his own basting sauce. Ben loved his morning coffee with friends at Loose Creek Oil Company and going to the riverboat with his buddy, Luke Kremer. 

In addition to his wife of 68 years, Ben is survived by his children, Brenda (Ron) Kliethermes, James (Bonnie) Haslag, Linda (Raymond) Peters, and Roger (Donna) Haslag; ten grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren with one on the way; a brother, Conrad (Margie) Haslag, Jr.; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a son, Bernard M. Haslag, Jr. and an infant son, Jeffrey John Haslag; a daughter-in-law, Patricia (Wibberg) Haslag; a granddaughter, Sheila Ann Haslag; three brothers, Hugo Haslag, Jerome Haslag, and Albert Haslag; and three sisters-in-law, Theresa Haslag, Janet Haslag, and Generose Haslag.

 Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Anthony Rinaldo as the Celebrant. Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery.    

Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)  www.mortonchapel.com