CROSS PLAINS - Carla Sue “Susie” Hasse, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Middleton Village, Middleton. She was born on February 1, 1943, in Green Bay, Wis., the daughter of Earl V. and Willabell L. (Wahls) Nelson. She married Earl Hasse on October 12, 1968, in Hillpoint, Wis.

Carla was raised and educated in the De Pere, Wis., area graduating from West De Pere High School in 1961, and continued her education later in life by completing her Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University in 1997 and her Master of Arts from Upper Iowa University in 1999. She was always bound and determined that she was going to do it.

Through her early years into adulthood, she was very involved with 4H. There was always a new craft she was doing, ranging from sewing, knitting, cross stitch, weaving, you name it, she was determined to master them all. She was also a voracious reader. There was always a pile of novels from the local library around the house.

Carla worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 25 years in various departments including Department of English; English as a Second Language and Department of African American Studies until her retirement.

Carla is survived by her children, Joel (Elisabeth) Hasse of Kewanee, Ill., and Melody Hasse of Cross Plains; grandchildren, William Hasse of Kewanee, Ill., Jacob Hasse (Heather Hoadley) of Kewanee, Ill., Liliana Hasse (Alex Faciana) of Peoria, Ill., and Daniel Hasse of Kewanee, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Anastasia and Bear Hasse of Kewanee, Ill.; brother, Doug (Donna) Nelson and sister-in-law, Marilyn Nelson; sister-in-law, Linda Dulak; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 53 years, Earl; her parents; brother, Eric Nelson; in-laws, Simon and Lydia (Gudenschwager) Hasse; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Marvin (Janet) Hasse, Orlen (Norma) Hasse, Jean (Henry) Bredemann and Norm Dulak.

A celebration of life will be held be KALSCHEUR PARK COMMUNITY CENTER in Pine Bluff, 3734 County Road P, Cross Plains, from 12 noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Carla’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141

Carla Sue Hasse

February 01, 1943 - September 16, 2025

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