Darold Dean Hauff

Darold Dean Hauff, 69, of Moses Lake and a well known educator, passed on to a better place on Sept. 17, 2006 at Sunbridge Health Care in Moses Lake.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1936 to Emil and Loraine (Werner) Hauff in Leavenworth. Darold grew up in Peshastin, where he went through all 12 grades with friends that he had to this day. He had made the comment more than once how fortunate he was to live in a small town and have life-long friends and know everyone in town. During his high school years, Darold played basketball and baseball, and was an exceptional athlete in both sports. Darold and his cousin Freddie were not very big (maybe 5 foot, 4 inches and 5 foot, 2 inches) starting as freshman, grew a little taller as time went by, but they became "giants" when it came to playing sports. Darold graduated from Peshastin High School in 1954 and continued his education at Wenatchee Valley College and later Central Washington College in Ellensburg, where he received a degree in Education.

Darold married Charlotte Lundin in Peshastin, Wash., on April 26, 1958 and to this union were born three of the best and dedicated daughters a dad could ever have, Denise, Darolyn and Darcey.

Darold started his career teaching in Moses Lake in 1961 at Chief Moses Jr. High School and as an industrial arts teacher, and in later years taught in Soap Lake, which he enjoyed very much until developing health problems causing his retirement in 2004.

He refereed football and basketball, coached football, basketball, baseball and girls fast pitch. He was very proud to have coached his two daughters, Darolyn and Darcy, when they played fast pitch, while number one daughter, Denise was his scorekeeper. Darold also played fast pitch, while wife and mom, Charlotte, watched and was the cheering section!

Darold was an ASA commissioner for over 15 years. The Soap Lake School District honored Darold with The Excellence in Education Award in 2000. He was a talented craftsman and perfectionist when it came to working with wood. He could look at a pattern and make it. He also loved to fish and hunt with close friends and family.

Darold leaves behind his wife, Charlotte of 48 years. His three daughters, Denise, Darolyn, and Darcey, who will always love him forever and a day. We know he loved us the same. Our family has been broken, but someday will be repaired again. He also leaves three grandchildren, Brynn, Tyler (Nicole) and Tristan Dawn, two great grandchildren (his pride and joy) Gage Warren "Papa's Sunflower" and Allena Mae "Papa's Little Peanut." Brother, Dennis (Swede) and wife, Suzanne Hauff of Whidbey Island and sister, DeVona and husband, Chuck Ferrel of Lake Wenatchee, eight nieces and eight nephews, 10 great nieces and 11 great nephews and numerous cousins, brothers-in-law, Kevin (Sue), David (Judy), Dick (Susie) although a cousin, he has always been a brother to Charlotte, uncle Spud Werner of Federal Way and aunt Helen Link of Peshastin.

A special thanks goes to Charlie and Gloria Determan, Wanda Harrison and Trina Hernandez.

Darold's family members who were there to greet him at the Gates of Heaven were his Dad and Mom, Emil and Loraine, Sister and brother-in-law, Deanna and Gary Cowles, grandparents, John and Margaret Hauff, Rudy and Clara Werner, grandparents-in-law, Tait and Elizabeth Atkinson, Eric and Hilda Lundin, Mother and father-in-law, Art and Roselyn Schultz, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

"How strong you were My Sweetheart, you never complained, you kept up a good fight to the end. Until we meet again, Rest Well — I'll always love and miss you being here with me, Love You" — Me.

A memorial service of commemoration to celebrate the life of Darold D. Hauff will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in the United Methodist Church, 746 South Ironwood Drive, Moses Lake, with Rev. Steve Rice officiating. A memorial service of commemoration will beheld at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, in the Peshastin United Church of Christ, 7455 Main Street, Peshastin, with Rev. Wesley Jeske and Rev. Ann Hinz co-officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darold Hauff Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Soap Lake Education Foundation, P.O. Box 723, Soap Lake, WA 98851 or Cancer Care Northwest Foundation, 601 S. Sherman, Spokane, WA 99202.

Ward's Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth is assisting with arrangements.