Carroll Dean Haga, of Mesa , was called home to Jesus on February 24, 2022, at age 88.
Dean was born to Louise and Dean Haga on January 28, 1934, in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. As a child, Dean enjoyed fishing, sledding, and listening to baseball games on the radio.
Dean met his wife, Marilyn Jean Baribeau, in 1956 when they were both serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Dean served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and received the Good Conduct Medal when he was honorably released. Dean and Marilyn married in 1958 and lived in Rochester, NY for a short period before moving to Phoenix, AZ.
Dean began working for the JCPenney Company as a sales clerk in 1958. This became a wonderful 35-year career for him working in many different stores and positions in Arizona including store manager. He retired from JCPenney in 1993.
Not ready to sit idle, Dean took a position as a playground aide at O’Connor Elementary School in Mesa. It wasn’t long before his value was realized and he was moved into a classroom aide position in special education. Dean absolutely loved children, and especially loved his special needs students. Dean worked for MPS for 20 years, from 1996 to 2016.
In addition to his work at JCPenney and Mesa Public Schools, Dean also worked part-time for USA Today from 2000-2004 and Target from 2005-2013. He taught his family the value of hard work.
More important to Dean than his work career, was his family. Dean was a dedicated, loving husband and father. He and Marilyn were blessed to raise a large family of 9 children.
Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. He loved teaching men’s Bible studies and speaking to all who would listen about God’s love and salvation.
Dean joins his daughter Barb, son Jim, and grandson Christopher in Heaven. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Haga; children David Haga (Patti), Jeanne Merkel, John Haga (Barbara), Susan Moore, Laura Parsons (Jon), Lulu Haga, Cody Haga; 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
No services will be held at this time and the family requests donations to Hospice at Home of Arizona be made in lieu of flowers.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I absolutely adored Dean. He worked hard his entire life and loved his family more than anything. I never heard Dean speak I’ll of anyone. He saw the good in everyone he knew. His family and friends know his faith and the promises it brings. Dean can now rest and enjoy the rest rest of his journey as he awaits the arrival of those who loved him so much. Until we meet again sweet friend. Love, Patti
Sending all in the family our love and prayers.
Caroline, Glenn, Liam and Aaron Grossman
We all have a viewpoint as to what makes a good Father, and I have so many fond memories of my Father. I think the best way to assess a good Father would be to see if your earthly Father has instilled in you a strong representation of our Heavenly Father. Carroll Dean Haga was in the top of his class in this regard.
We commonly say “rest in peace”. I am fully confident my Father is in peace but in no way is he resting as he begins his eternal life in the presence his/our creator, his/our Father, his/our Savior, his/our Comforter.
Thank-You Lord for calling him to you.
Love you for eternity Father
Rest in heaven Dean. Thank you for your amazing example of Christ’s love for us and fatherhood. I will never forget the lifetime of great memories we have shared. You treated me like a son from the time I met you almost thirty years ago and felt like a father ever since. Laura is going to miss you deeply and I will try to remind her of her amazing Dad and all the wonderful memories she has. I may still be looking for some advice, so as I ask to the heavens, if you could keep a lookout, I would appreciate it. My children are gonna miss their grandfather as well but we will all be together again in the blink of an eye in God’s eternal glory. Love you forever Dean and miss you already.
My deepest condolences may God give you the strength and resignation to move forward. I was very lucky and fortunate to have met him and really enjoyed working with him he was such a good person. May he rest in peace. He will be missed.
I have known and loved Dean since 1971. He was loved. Our love goes out to his family. Tom and Inez Baribeau.
“Mr. Dean “ was a special friend, teacher and co-worker to so many. He was well loved by all, especially by our students with special needs. We shared many days working, laughing and playing (especially during football and baseball playoffs). He was our “go to” guy.
Dean’s love for the Lord and his family was evident in all that he did. There is no doubt that he is with the Lord.
He willed be missed.
Rest In Peace my friend. Eileen
I am proud to be his daughter. His legacy of love, family, and faith will always remain in our hearts!
Susan, Madelyn, Julia, Joel and Nathan Moore