Chuck Hassler
Charles Alan Hassler was born to Charles H. and Dorcas (Taylor) Hassler on Sept. 1, 1931, in Holyoke. He died at his home in Denver on Feb. 28, 2022, at the age of 90.
Charles, better known as “Chuck,” was raised on the family farm a mile south of Amherst, along with his brothers, Paul and Neil. Charles attended Phillips County High School, where he served as editor of the school annual. He graduated with the class of 1949. Chuck then went to work for Convair Aircraft in San Diego, California.
In 1952, Chuck joined the service. He served as a combat infantryman with the rank of front-line staff sergeant in the Korean War from 1952-1953. He later served as a military policeman for three years in Germany.
Chuck always held a great fascination with mines and mining. At one time, he spent six weeks in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. He spent some time working for a copper mine in Arizona. He also was an employee for Climax in Colorado at their molybdenum mine. Chuck returned to the Climax mines a couple times when he had layoff time from his job.
Chuck was also employed by Boeing in Seattle, Washington. He enjoyed working on the first 707 aircraft being built. Chuck was proud to sign his name on the 707 plane built specifically for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In 1963, Chuck was hired by United Airlines in San Francisco, California. He was later transferred to Denver, where he was a mechanic, troubleshooter and aircraft inspector. Chuck was always ready to travel on short notice wherever needed as problems arose.
In the early ’70s, Chuck took a voluntary leave of absence. He soon went to work for Lear Siegler, servicing helicopters in Vietnam during the war. Chuck then returned to United Airlines, retiring later after more than 30 years.
Throughout his life, Chuck greatly enjoyed the outdoors, exploring whatever location he was in. He enjoyed camping and hiking and also, when in other countries, learning about and living in different cultures.
Chuck was a lifelong learner, always eager to acquire more world knowledge through travel, books and people. Chuck was extremely well read and was always known to be a kind and caring man to others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a beloved nephew, Paul J. Hassler.
He is survived by his brothers, Paul and Beverly Hassler of Colorado Springs and Neil and Hilda Hassler of Holyoke; nephew, Alan and Karla Hassler; nieces, Debbie and Jim Homan, Ann and Edward Ftorski, Susan and Mike Bennett, and Lauri Hassler, wife of Paul J. Chuck had eight great-nephews and nieces, along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.