H. Guenther Haerle

H. Guenther Haerle

Guenther Haerle passed away comfortably with his family on Wednesday, January 24th.

Guenther was born on January 13th, 1933 in Union, NJ to two immigrant parents from Germany. His father, Oscar, came from the Weisbaden area, and his mother, Margarethe, came from the Goeswein area. Guenther attended Connecticut Farms grammar school, and graduated from Union High School in 1950. He grew up in a loving family with 2 younger sisters, Esther, and Ruth, and made life-long friendships with many of his grammar school classmates.

In 1952, Guenther joined the US Navy and served on many vessels, most notably the carriers USS Leyte and USS Intrepid. During his service, Guenther thankfully survived a failed boat launch attempt from a moving naval vessel that claimed the life of a fellow sailor. After the navy, Guenther worked for 3 companies in New Jersey: Gemex, Triangle Tool, and Rheometrics.

In 1962, Guenther married his lifelong companion, Maryalice Wasson. They initially resided in Roselle Park, but then became long-time residents of Cranford. Guenther and Maryalice had two sons, Drew and Glenn. Guenther provided a loving, stable, and encouraging environment for his family, and touched many people with his kind manner and generosity.

Guenther retired in 1999 to spend more time with his family and friends. He was blessed with a daughter-in-law Vanessa, followed by 2 grandkids, Tucker and Annika. He spent much of his free time traveling back and forth to MA to be involved in their activities. Later, Guenther was again blessed by another daughter-in-law Maria and her daughter Stephanie. Guenther was an avid reader who focused much of his reading content on US and German history. He has been long time member of Trinity Church in Cranford. Guenther loved the NJ shore, and was always ready for an engaging conversation and having a laugh with good friends and family.

Guenther is survived by his wife Maryalice, sons Drew and Glenn, sisters Esther and Ruth, daughters-in-law Vanessa and Maria, and grandchildren Tucker, Annika, and Stephanie.

A life celebration gathering will be on Saturday from 4 to 8 pm at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, Cranford. A memorial service will be Monday January 29, 2018, 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford with burial to follow at Hollywood Memorial Park with full Military Honors. Go to grayfuneralhomes.com for on line condolences.

In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Trinity Episcopal Church, Cranford, NJ.