Caledonia – Colonel John Phillip Haumersen USA retired, 87, passed away at All Saints hospital on Monday, February 29, 2016. He was born in Racine on January 20, 1929, son of the late Milton and Grace (nee: Schultz) Haumersen. Following his graduation from Wm. Horlick High School in 1947, John entered the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1951. On May 16, 1953 he was married to Elsie Gawry at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
John served with pride for 24 years in the army. During his career he did 2 tours in Korea during the war, and enjoyed multiple assignments throughout the US and overseas before he retired in 1975. After leaving the army he ventured into real estate, and was a corporate project management consultant. Following his retirement, John liked traveling with Elsie; visiting friends and family; and spending winters in Mexico. John also enjoyed golf, and was a member and league treasurer for the Washington Park Retired Men’s Golf Club. John was a faithful parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church.
John is survived by his wife, Elsie Haumersen, their children, Mary (John) Pierce, Jay (Cindy) Haumersen, Lee (Tina) Haumersen, and Lyn (Elizabeth) Haumersen; 18 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren; sister, Judy (Arthur) Grebetz; sister-in-law, Jan Haumersen; brother-in-law, Joe (Betty) Gawry; as well as many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Haumersen; sisters-in-law, Eva Gawry, Mary Kelly, and Helen Hanson; and his aunt, Irene Haumersen
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 11am in St. Rita’s Parish, 4339 Douglas Avenue, with Fr. Richard A. Young, O.S.A. officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2pm – 4pm; and on Monday in the church beginning at 10am. Memorials to St. Rita Parish; or American Cancer Society have been suggested.
Beverly and Bennie Thomas says
He lived his life to the fullest and will always be an inspiration to us all.
Mary Pierce says
Tina Haumersen says
I remember being terrified of meeting my future father-in-law for the first time. Lee had a framed photo of Opa and Oma all dressed up, looking very old fashioned and Quaker-ish. Then we went over to meet them that first time, and both were lounging around the pool in swimwear, looking completely different. They welcomed me into their home and lives and were completely accepting of me. I guess they’d been a bit leery of me, too, because of the way Lee and I met. But they became the parents I never had. Thank you, Opa, for letting me be a part of your family, and for raising such wonderful children. I know God has welcomed you with open arms. Love you.
John W Pierce says
Clyde & Louise Moore says
Dear Elsie and Children, we were saddened to learn of the Colonel’s death, but so very grateful for the opportunity of knowing him. Clyde served under him during his time in Korea, 1968-1969, and I had the honor of meeting both you and him in 2009 at the Army Reunion. To be honest, I was frightened. This would be the first time of meeting a Colonel! Clyde kept telling me to relax, that the Colonel was a very special man and the evening proved that to be true. After that evening, we shared emails with him and he freely gave us advice whenever it was asked for. He became a friend and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for sharing him with us and we pray for each of you to know God’s peace in the coming days and weeks. May God richly bless you all.