Carroll Dean Haga

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.