Gary Erwin Hasenauer

1939-2013 Gary Erwin Hasenauer, left his earthly home on Thursday, October 17, while touring China with his wife, Ruth. At his passing at age 74, Gary was doing what he loved very much, touring a historical site and museum. Gary was born in Nebraska on September 6, 1939, the son of Erwin and Melissa Hasenauer of Stapleton, Nebraska. Gary earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree to prepare him for his career as an educator. His first teaching opportunity was at Berean Mission Navaho Boarding School near Bloomfield where he served for five years and met his wife and married there. He moved on to Roosevelt and Jefferson Elementary Schools in Gallup where he served for 24 years. His love for teaching continued with a move to Belen where he taught all grades as a public school substitute teacher for another 5-6 years. His total involvement as a teacher, head teacher and administrator was 37 years. Gary had many other talents and interests as a church musician, brilliant historian and world traveler. He was a believer in life-long learning while traveling to all parts of the world to soak up more knowledge and facts. He was a walking history book. When he passed away he was serving as the pianist for Rio Communities Lighthouse Church and substitute Bible teacher. Gary’s love for God and his passion to help others in need led him to help many individuals in his lifetime. He and Ruth were parents, counselors, caregivers, financial advisors, ministers, and a support group, and filled countless other roles in touching the lives of hundreds of people. Gary also served others in traveling on nine Work and Witness mission trips where he was involved in construction, cooking and teaching Bible. Gary has moved on to his rewards after a lifetime of serving others. Gary is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, Brian and wife, Erika; and four grandchildren, Ashtyn, Ambrielle, Sagen, and Sammy. Also surviving are Gary’s brothers, Marvin and wife, Sharon Hasenauer and Mark and wife, Linda Hasenauer; sisters, Phyllis and husband, Dale Stackhouse who reside in North Platte, Nebraska and Bonnie Bonnici of Chico, California. A Viewing will be held at the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene, on Wednesday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. with a Funeral Service to be held at 11:00 a.m. Following the service at the Lighthouse Church of Nazarene in Belen there will be another service in North Platte Nebraska. Final Interment will be in Nebraska. Sign Gary’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Gary Erwin Hasenauer

September 6, 1939 - October 17, 2013