James H. Hausler

James Herbert Hausler, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at home, from cancer, with his wife at his side. Jim was born on January 13, 1924 in Portland, Oregon to the late Leeland M. and Cecil M. (Zarub) Hausler. Jim lost his father when he was 6 months old and was raised along with his Mother by a loving Step-Father, the late John W. Cook. On February 14, 2006 he married the love of his life, Patricia Bredeck.

Jim graduated from Peoria High School in Peoria, Illinois in 1941. He moved with his parents to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During his time in Cedar Rapids he worked for the Rock Island RR, and Quaker Oats. He also developed his love of music by being a member of school and dance bands. During this time he played alto and tenor saxophone in dance bands. Love of Jazz was always at the top of his list and jitterbug dancing was a favorite.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and became a “submariner.” He was aboard the U.S.S. Brill for three war patrols. Along with his “Brillmates” he was awarded the Submarine Combat Pin for the Brill’s first war patrol. He was a lifetime member of U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II and a lifetime member of Silent Service. He was honorably discharged in 1946 in Bremerton, WA.

In 1948 Jim graduated from Iowa University, Iowa City, Iowa with a BSEE degree. Jim started his business career in Schenectady, NY with General Electric. Transfers with GE led him to Milwaukee, WI and then to Appleton, WI. A change in his career found him joining the sales force at Moe Northern Co. where he was an Electrical Component salesman for many years until he had a heart attack in 1986. After successful by-pass surgery he started up his own business known as STM, Inc. and was still in business when he became ill.

Jim was an active member in the Rotary Club, joining the Appleton West Club in 1973. He was Past President, 1982 to 1983; Paul Harris 1986 to 1987; Sergeant at Arms; 1999 to 2000; Assistant District Governor 2000 to 2003. He was a member of Rotary for 45 years.

Jim was also an avid tennis player at Fox Cities Racquet Club and was a member there for many years. He enjoyed other sports which included swimming and golf. He was a Packer Backer to the fullest extent and from his Alma Mater, the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Jim was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir for a short time. He was active in other aspects of his church life also.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia, and the five children they shared between them Merridee (Cliff) Ulman, Grand Junction, Co; Victoria (Steve) Seidl, Freedom; Roberta (Alex) Battey, Mendham, NJ; Scott (Margaret) VanderHyden, Auburn, WA; Jody (Rick) Carman, Kodiak, AK.

He is further survived by twelve grandchildren, David (Alice) Ulman, Merridee, Zachary and Olivia Seidl, Caroline, A.J. and Cate Battey, Linzee and Maggie Burcham, Josh, Megan and Collin VanderHyden; three great-grandchildren, Keaton, Roger, and Zevin Ulman.

A brother, Lee (Margaret) Hausler, Jackson, MI; sister, MaryLou Kent, Gold Canyon, AZ; brother-in-law, James (JoAnn) Beaumont, Woodinville, WA, also many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins.

Besides his parents and step-father he was predeceased in death by a sister Doris Hausler,
ex-wife, Shirley J. Hausler, former wife, Shirley C. Hausler, brother-in-law, Dan Kent; father and mother-in-law Martin and Carola Beaumont.

Friends may call at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 3009 N. Meade St., Appleton, WI 54911 on Friday, February 23, 2007 from 12:30 P.M. until the time of the service at 2 P.M., with Pastor Dennis Ellison officiating. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you direct memorials to the Rotary Club of Appleton West Foundation – Hausler Project. This is the clubs project to support children in third world countries. Every package distributed will be labeled the Hausler Project.

The family would like to thank ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their kind and gentle care of Jim during his battle with Cancer, especially Suzi Perlewitz for her compassion and loving ways.

I’ll be loving you forever,
No doubt in my mind,
The love that I feel in my heart is the
“Will last forever kind.”

I’ll love you for always,
I know that to be true
From the time we first kissed
My heart told me my forever love would be you.
Your “Bride”