Franz Hauser

Franz “Frank” Hauser, 78, Phoenixville, entered into rest peacefully at his home May 31, 2009.

He was a devoted husband to Elisabeth (Stoesser) Hauser, to whom he was married for 48 years.

Born in Wurmersheim, Germany, on April 21, 1931, Frank was the first-born child of the late Karl and Karolina Hauser.

Early in Frank's career, he started with the family business, Hauser Backerei, as a trained baker in Germany, and then studied auto mechanics with Volkswagen.

After the conclusion of World War II, Frank immigrated to Canada in 1951 and spent approximately nine years in British Columbia, working in various logging camps and for Alcan, an aluminum company.

During a trip back to Germany to visit family, Frank met the love of his life and future wife, Lisa, and brought her to America, where they settled down in a small, one-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia.

After working for several years in the Philadelphia area for Volkswagen, Frank followed his dream of owning his own home and being his own boss. For 33 years, Frank was the owner and operator of Frank Hauser's Foreign Car Service in Morgantown. Many sacrifices were made in the beginning, and the business now continues under Frank's loving son, Stewart.

Frank was always devoted to and enjoyed spending time with his family. He always liked to share his many personal stories with his family and friends about growing up in Germany and immigrating to Canada, whether we heard the story before or not, which he always prefaced with “did I ever tell you the story about. ...” Frank especially like helping people, and enjoyed children, who were always drawn to his kindness.

Frank enjoyed and took great pride in running his own business, socializing with his customers, and when necessary, coaching and offering them advice. He even taught many of his customers how to drive a car with a stick shift.

He also enjoyed his garden, which he often referred to as his “second wife”; dancing at the German Clubs in Philadelphia; and visiting with his family and school friends during trips back to Germany.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his three children: Clarissa, wife of Walter Irons, Downingtown; Claudia (Braun), at home; and Stewart, husband of Jennifer (Lewis) Hauser, Spring City.

Other survivors include two grandchildren, Jason and Adam Kramlich; his sister, Klara, in Germany; and numerous relatives in Germany and Canada.

Preceding him in death was his brother, Alois.

We love you, Papa, and will always miss you!

It was Frank's request that there be no service. A private family remembrance will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be private. There will be no viewing.

Please omit flowers. Because of the loving care that Frank received at home, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Visiting Nurse Association of Pottstown & Vicinity, 1963 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Additionally, the family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff and care provided at home by VNA of Pottstown & Vicinity.

Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, 359 King St., Pottstown. Our Web site exists to serve the friends and family of the deceased. Go to http://www.schumacherandbenner.com to extend sympathies and access additional service details.