Clarence Wilbur Hauschild, 91, son of the late Walter J. Hauschild and Matilda J. Hauschild (Heyen) of Gillespie, Illinois, passed away January 23, 2024. Known for his sharp wit, dry humor, quiet generosity, and devotion to family, Clarence lived a life to be celebrated.
Clarence graduated from Gillespie High School in 1949. He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War as part of the Illinois National Guard. He later attended the University of Illinois, where he was recognized as a High Honor Student, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He furthered his education at University of California, Berkeley, graduating with a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering in 1961.
Clarence began his professional career at the Dravo Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1957. After moving to California, Clarence worked for Peter Kiewit & Sons, supervising the construction of many impactful projects, including the California aqueduct, sections of California’s freeways, and the building of Dana Point Harbor. In 1970, Clarence started Hauschild Construction, building bridges and freeways in California and providing important earthquake retrofits to these structures for almost 30 years.
Clarence remained active in mind and body throughout his life. He often had a book in one hand, a crossword puzzle in the other, and his cell phone at-the-ready to tackle multiple opponents in Words with Friends. He enjoyed taking his sweet little dog for a walk and going on wistful car drives to visit engineering wonders such as dams, bridges, and harbors. His beloved wife of 65 years, Nancy (Kammerdiener), was his constant companion, and they traveled the world by each other’s side. Together, they created the legacy of a loving family with cherished memories of time together, whether it was a weekly Sunday dinner or a fabulous family vacation.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Nancy; his three children and their spouses, Gwynne Steidle (Dean Steidle), Susan Bullard (Rob Bullard), and John Hauschild (Natalie Doyle Hauschild); his daughter-in-law Wendie Wachal Hauschild; his seven grandchildren, David Steidle, Eric Steidle (Melissa), Megan Getting (Connor), Emily Bullard, Paige Bullard, Cole Hauschild, and Cassidy Hauschild; his great grandchild Isabella Steidle; and his treasured dog, Gracie. He is further survived by his brother Ray Hauschild of Edwardsville, Illinois and his sister Marguerite Tilashalski of Birmingham, Alabama.
Close family and friends in California gathered in April to celebrate Clarence’s life on what would have been his 92nd birthday. Half of his ashes were buried at sea near his cherished Dana Point Harbor in Southern California.
A service honoring Clarence Hauschild will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 22, 2024 at Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery on RR4 in Carlinville, Illinois to lay to rest the remainder of his ashes. Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to attend.
