Karl W. Haeuser

Karl W. Haeuser 1922-2017 Karl left this world peacefully on March 29, 2017, surrounded by family. Born February 14, 1922, to the Reverend Theo F. Haeuser and Henny (Halemeier) Haeuser in Paso Robles, California, Karl and his older sister, Dorothea, treasured many lifelong friends from their childhood there. Karl attended local schools until he went off to Concordia High School in Oakland. In February of 1943 Karl and his best friend, Gene Ernst, compelled by their deep love of their country, went to San Francisco to enlist in the military. Gene became a Marine and Karl enlisted in the Army Air Corps. One year later Karl was captured by Nazi Germany while serving in France and was sent to Stalag Luft 4 near Grosstychow, Prussia, which is now Tychowo, Poland. There were 6,660 American POW's held there. Karl's capture was first reported to the International Red Cross on August 4, 1944, and the last report was made on March 28, 1946. Based on these two reports, Karl was imprisoned for 601 days; one year and nine months. He was included in the number of survivors liberated when released to Americans after the 86 day German Death March, as WWII ended in 1946. Upon returning to Paso Robles, Karl went back to work for Bank of America where he met his darling Helen Jean Filipponi. They remained in Paso Robles to marry and have three children: Philip, Karla, and Gary. Karl's banking career spanned 45 years and included managing banks in Chico, Fresno, Guam, and San Jose. Helen and Karl retired to Cayucos in 1986. Karl loved to travel and they enjoyed trips all around the world. Karl was active with the Cayucos Lions, SCORE, and Estrella Warbirds Museum. He volunteered at the local Senior Citizen Center driving the senior's bus, at the San Luis Obispo Municipal airport and train station,and was a docent with Helen at Hearst Castle. Karl was involved with many Veterans' groups and wrote articles for several magazines. He was interviewed regularly about his POW experience. Preceded in death by his father Theo, mother Henny, and sister Dorothea (Duin), Karl is survived by Helen, his wife of 70 years; children Philip (Esther), Karla and Gary (Robin); grandchildren Alex Samonte, Alison (Tallerico) Evans, Sam, Ben, and Chloe Haeuser; and great-grandchildren Sapphire, Lucas, and Abigail. Karl will be laid to rest at the Cayucos Morro Bay Cemetery with military honors and a private graveside service. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries