Celebrating the life of
Frederick William Haeussler
June 04, 1932 - October 28, 2011
Fred W. Haeussler
Savannah-Frederick William Haeussler, 79, died Friday, October 28, 2011 at Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia following a brief illness.
Mr. Haeussler is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Christine Haeuessler, three sons, Mark S. Haeussler and wife, Elizabeth of Opelika, Alabama, Timothy J. Haeusssler and wife, Lisa of Savannah, Georgia, Michael E. Haeussler and wife, Allison of Savannah, Georgia; five grandchildren, Tiffany, Benjamin, Harrison, Madelyn and Emily Haeussler; a nephew and niece in the United States; and numerous relatives in Germany.
He was born June 4, 1932 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Fred and Katherine Alles Haeussler, immigrants from Germany. Proud to be first generation American, Mr. Haeussler was the first of his family to obtain a college education. He adopted as his life's motto words from his high school track coach: "Determination wins!" He graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Forestry in 1954. He lettered in track and cross-country under legendary coach "Spec" Towns. He participated in numerous clubs and activities at the university, propelling him to election in 1954 as Outstanding Male Senior. He graduated first among his classmates in the School of Forestry Resources.
He earned a Masters of Forestry degree from Duke University in 1955. He then served his country for two years active duty as an officer in the United States Air Force as Office of Special Investigations Agent.
In 1957, he began a long career of more than 37 years with Union Camp Corporation, beginning as a conservation forester and advancing to management positions, including regional land manager of over 1 million acres of timberland. He spent several years for the company in environmental affairs, which included lobbying duties in Washington, D.C. He was a dedicated member of the Society of American Foresters SAF, of which he was elected a fellow in 1979. He served as national president of SAF in 1985, and was a delegate to the World Forestry Congress in Mexico City, Mexico. He remained active in SAF until his death, and was recognized with the John A. Beale Memorial Award.
He received outstanding alumnus recognition from both the University of Georgia and Duke University forestry schools. He was inducted into the Georgia Forestry Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Alabama Forestry Hall of Fame in 1987. The Georgia Forestry Association presented him the Wise Owl Award in 1997.
After retirement from Union Camp in 1995, he acted as a forestry mentor. He served as a director of the Museum of Forest Service History in Missoula, Montana. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally. He enjoyed appearing as an extra in several movies. Fred led an extraordinary life in a profession for which he held great passion.
Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home, 4605 E. Hwy 80 on Whitemarsh Island in Savannah, Georgia. Memorial service to be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at the funeral home, followed by burial at Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fred W. Haeussler Scholarship Fund at Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. In the alternative, contributions may be made to The Forestry Foundation, Society of American Foresters, 5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
I offer my thoughts for emotional Peace to all in Fred's family. I was in the 'career years' that Fred, and others of us lived. Thanks, family! During our many hours away from all of you - wife - young children and neighbors - We all, and Fred too carried these wants for time with ALL of you.
- Everett in NH, Auburn, NH
Deepest sympathy, Carol, to you and your family. Fred was a great friend and fellow forester. Our time together on the SAF Council was a lifetime highlight due in no small part to Fred's leadership and concern for all viewpoints. Our prayers are with you.
- Michael Moore, Lansing, MI
I offer my prayers and condolances to the Haeussler family. I met Fred in 1981 as a salesman. Alhough he needed me for nothing he always treated me with utmost respect. He was always professional and had a wonderful sense of humor. Any favor or service you ever did for him was promptly followed with a sincere thank you note. He was a fine man and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him. John Barker
- John Barker, Richmond Hill, GA
Haeussler Family: We are so sorry to learn of Fred's passing. Neal and I just heard the news this afternoon and are so sorry we missed the services. Neal especially remembers Mr. H. fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Cece Corbin
- Cece Corbin, Savannah, GA
Beth and I are saddened by the passing of Fred. Fred was always a professional and a gentleman in everything he approached in life. He was a true mentor to me and excellent boss during the 4 years that I worked with and for him. We express our sincere condolences to Carol and the entire family. Tom & Beth Norris
- Tom Norris, Richmond Hill, GA
Glad we had such a great Union Camp visit and luncheon October 20th and to hear one of the great college stories of Fred's. He meant a great deal to me during my career - especially the importance he placed with thank-you notes for all types of accomplishments and good work. He was a special guy and made the time I worked for and with him special.
- bill miller, fernandina beach, FL
When Fred became Union Camp's Savannah Region Land Department Manager in 1979 I work under him as his first Staff Assistant. I lived in Willmington Park. I consider Fred a great Boss, mentor, and friend. I have receive and Birthday and Christmas card from Fred every year since I began working with him. I will miss this contact. After two years of work in the next door office with Fred he promoted me to Forest Supervisor on the Altamaha Forest in Baxley where I finished my corporate career in 2006 after being downsized by IP. I owe many thanks to Fred for having faith and confidense in me and moving me to the place I have made my home for over 30 years. I am now retired, consulting part time and have a grand child with my oldest daughter in Baxley. Thanks and prayers to Fred and his family.
- Tom Hatchett, Baxley, GA
Fred was a true Gentleman,a leader in the Forestry Profession and my friend. He never forgot to send a card for special occasions. We will truly miss Fred's humor and his friendship!
- Jim Fendig, , GA
Fred was a professional through and through. The forest profession and everyone that knew him will miss his counsel and friendship.
- Andy Stone, Fargo, GA
My sincere condolences to the entire Haeussler family. I have many fond memories of Fred and I am sure heaven will now be an even warmer, more cheerful sanctum.
- Jim Bland, Pawleys Island, SC
Kay and I will miss Fred's wit, wisdom and great smile. Lots of Love, Dicky
- Richard and Kay Saunders, Columbus, GA
I am another of the many who received birthday and Christmas cards from Fred, year after year. With my birthday in October, this was the first time he missed in decades. That should have given me a clue. I owe my career to Fred. He hired me into Union Camp, a great company with great people and great memories. He mentored me. He was my friend. He gave me a big slopy birthday kiss once or twice. And he even promoted me a few times! I'll never forget him, especially on my birthday. My sons have forgotten it more than he has! Go with God. I'll see you again someday, Fred..........
- Steve Tomlin, Georgetown, SC
I am saddened by the death of Fred, Forestry and I have lost a great man and friend. His contributions and influence to Forestry and it's industry will always be remembered. We express our deepest sympathy to Carol, his children and his family. May God comfort and bless you all. Fred and Kay Warnell
- Fred Warnell, Richmond Hill, GA
I am so very sorry to hear that Fred passed. I am going to miss him terribly. Our SAF meetings will not be the same without him.
- Gail Lutowski Westcot, Guyton, GA
It is sad to learn of Mr. Haeussler's passing particularly after seeing Tim so recently.
- Stanley E. Harris, Jr., Saavannah, GA
I was looking forward to seeing Fred at the SAF annual meeting. He will be missed.
- Tom Harris, Athens, GA
Fred was an important key to the efficient operation of Union Camp at Savannah. He was direct in his communication to anyone, so you never had to wonder what was meant by a point that was being made. He was also a pillar in the forestry profession at the local, state and national level. On top of all that was a friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.
- Bob Kellison, Raleigh, NC
Fred was always an encourager and often sent me notes when I had postive or negative things happen. He was a consumate professional and had a huge impact on me and the forestry profession. His integrity and character will be greatly missed.
- Wayne Bell, Valdosta, GA
I offer my thoughts for emotional Peace to all in Fred's family. I was in the 'career years' that Fred, and others of us lived. Thanks, family! During our many hours away from all of you - wife - young children and neighbors - We all, and Fred too carried these wants for time with ALL of you.
- Everett in NH, Auburn, NH
Deepest sympathy, Carol, to you and your family. Fred was a great friend and fellow forester. Our time together on the SAF Council was a lifetime highlight due in no small part to Fred's leadership and concern for all viewpoints. Our prayers are with you.
- Michael Moore, Lansing, MI
I offer my prayers and condolances to the Haeussler family. I met Fred in 1981 as a salesman. Alhough he needed me for nothing he always treated me with utmost respect. He was always professional and had a wonderful sense of humor. Any favor or service you ever did for him was promptly followed with a sincere thank you note. He was a fine man and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him. John Barker
- John Barker, Richmond Hill, GA
Haeussler Family: We are so sorry to learn of Fred's passing. Neal and I just heard the news this afternoon and are so sorry we missed the services. Neal especially remembers Mr. H. fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Cece Corbin
- Cece Corbin, Savannah, GA
Beth and I are saddened by the passing of Fred. Fred was always a professional and a gentleman in everything he approached in life. He was a true mentor to me and excellent boss during the 4 years that I worked with and for him. We express our sincere condolences to Carol and the entire family. Tom & Beth Norris
- Tom Norris, Richmond Hill, GA
Glad we had such a great Union Camp visit and luncheon October 20th and to hear one of the great college stories of Fred's. He meant a great deal to me during my career - especially the importance he placed with thank-you notes for all types of accomplishments and good work. He was a special guy and made the time I worked for and with him special.
- bill miller, fernandina beach, FL
When Fred became Union Camp's Savannah Region Land Department Manager in 1979 I work under him as his first Staff Assistant. I lived in Willmington Park. I consider Fred a great Boss, mentor, and friend. I have receive and Birthday and Christmas card from Fred every year since I began working with him. I will miss this contact. After two years of work in the next door office with Fred he promoted me to Forest Supervisor on the Altamaha Forest in Baxley where I finished my corporate career in 2006 after being downsized by IP. I owe many thanks to Fred for having faith and confidense in me and moving me to the place I have made my home for over 30 years. I am now retired, consulting part time and have a grand child with my oldest daughter in Baxley. Thanks and prayers to Fred and his family.
- Tom Hatchett, Baxley, GA
Fred was a true Gentleman,a leader in the Forestry Profession and my friend. He never forgot to send a card for special occasions. We will truly miss Fred's humor and his friendship!
- Jim Fendig, , GA
Fred was a professional through and through. The forest profession and everyone that knew him will miss his counsel and friendship.
- Andy Stone, Fargo, GA
My sincere condolences to the entire Haeussler family. I have many fond memories of Fred and I am sure heaven will now be an even warmer, more cheerful sanctum.
- Jim Bland, Pawleys Island, SC
Kay and I will miss Fred's wit, wisdom and great smile. Lots of Love, Dicky
- Richard and Kay Saunders, Columbus, GA
I am another of the many who received birthday and Christmas cards from Fred, year after year. With my birthday in October, this was the first time he missed in decades. That should have given me a clue. I owe my career to Fred. He hired me into Union Camp, a great company with great people and great memories. He mentored me. He was my friend. He gave me a big slopy birthday kiss once or twice. And he even promoted me a few times! I'll never forget him, especially on my birthday. My sons have forgotten it more than he has! Go with God. I'll see you again someday, Fred..........
- Steve Tomlin, Georgetown, SC
I am saddened by the death of Fred, Forestry and I have lost a great man and friend. His contributions and influence to Forestry and it's industry will always be remembered. We express our deepest sympathy to Carol, his children and his family. May God comfort and bless you all. Fred and Kay Warnell
- Fred Warnell, Richmond Hill, GA
I am so very sorry to hear that Fred passed. I am going to miss him terribly. Our SAF meetings will not be the same without him.
- Gail Lutowski Westcot, Guyton, GA
It is sad to learn of Mr. Haeussler's passing particularly after seeing Tim so recently.
- Stanley E. Harris, Jr., Saavannah, GA
I was looking forward to seeing Fred at the SAF annual meeting. He will be missed.
- Tom Harris, Athens, GA
Fred was an important key to the efficient operation of Union Camp at Savannah. He was direct in his communication to anyone, so you never had to wonder what was meant by a point that was being made. He was also a pillar in the forestry profession at the local, state and national level. On top of all that was a friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.
- Bob Kellison, Raleigh, NC
Fred was always an encourager and often sent me notes when I had postive or negative things happen. He was a consumate professional and had a huge impact on me and the forestry profession. His integrity and character will be greatly missed.
- Wayne Bell, Valdosta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
