A memorial service was held on Jan. 16 for Willie “Papa” Hassler of Eugene and a former resident of Halfway and Baker City, who died Jan. 12 at age 87.
Willie was born April 7, 1915, in Oregon City to Audley and Anna Hassler. He married Carrie Sells in Reno, Nev., in 1967. Carrie died in April 2001. When in Halfway, he was a charter member of VFW Post 7847.
Willie lived in Halfway and Baker City before settling in Eugene more than 40 years ago. He served in the Navy during World War II as a chief radioman, and afterward worked for the civilian Conservation Corps. He owned and operated Willies’ Barber Shop in Eugene for more than 40 years.
He was an avid square dancer and caller, and he also enjoyed going to the coast. He especially enjoyed his great-grandchildren. He was a member of many square dance clubs, the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Eugene Eagles.
Survivors include a son, Ron Hassler, of Junction City; a daughter, Terry O’Leary of Marysville, Wash.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, January, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor