WEISSER, Karl E.

Karl E. Weisser, 89, died December 5, 2002 in his home surrounded by family and friends. Born April 30, 1913 in Tyndall South Dakota, the family later moved to Salem, Oregon. Karl attended Willamette University on a football scholarship, graduating in 1935. He relocated to Southern California and then to Yuma, Arizona to teach at Yuma Union High School where he met his first wife, Helen Marie Crowder who he married in 1942. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War Two. Returning to Arizona in 1945 he moved to Phoenix where he became a partner with his brother-in-law, Bob Crowder and father-in-law, R.E. Crowder, Sr. in Crowder Weisser Cattle Company. There isn't a farmer or rancher in the state who doesn't know and respect Karl Weisser. He was a member of the Arizona Cattlegrower's Association and the Cattleman's Club. Karl was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Marie Weisser, in 1987 and his second wife, an old family friend, Hope Rechif Weisser in 1996. He is survived by: His son, Stephen, Stephen's son Tyler, his wife Kathryn and great grandson Kylan. His daughter, Kristin Weisser Gourley, her husband John, their children Karli, Gena and Douglas. His daughter, Joan Weisser Kay, her husband Steve, their children Jenny and Stefanie. His son, John, his wife Darla, their children Kari and Karl. His brother, Jack, his wife, Dorothy. His nephew and nieces, Rob, Bobette, Bobi and their children. His devoted caregiver, Shirley Slabough, and many, many friends and other family members. Everyone who knew Karl loved him for his great humor and his unselfish generosity. There was never a person that he sat next to that he didn't become acquainted with. His passion for boating and fishing led him to have second homes in Lake Powell and Lake Havasu. His greatest love was is family and his true desire was never to leave the home he and Helen Marie built in 1957. Thanks to the devotion of his family and caregivers he was able to live comfortably in the home where he raised his family until his last days. During these last few difficult days, Hospice of the Valley provided much appreciated care. Crypt side service Saturday, December 7, 2002 at Encanto Mausoleum Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 West Van Buren. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements by A. L. Moore Grimshaw Bethany Chapel. The Arizona Republic December 6, 2002