Jack Duane Haler

Jack Duane Haler, son of John McCully Haler and Hazel Elizabeth Olmes, was born on a farm in North Versailles Township, near McKeesport, Pa., on Nov. 21, 1920. He was educated in the public schools of Turtle Creek and Wilmerding, Pa., and graduated from Westinghouse Memorial High School in Wilmerding on June 2, 1938. After clerking for the Westinghouse Airbrake Co. in Wilmerding, he enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 18, 1942, and was mustered in at the Technical Training Command in San Antonio, where he served until discharged Feb. 6, 1946.

He married Noreen Ellen Smith on Feb. 12, 1946, in St. Maries, Idaho. They had five children, Gary Duane Haler of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (Nancy), Shaun Lee Haler of Spring (Joseph Donahue), Patrick Kevin Haler of Grand Prairie, Sheryl Ann Haler of Bradenton, Fla. (Timothy Rumage) and Ellen Mae Haler of Grand Prairie (Joseph Jacobi). They had seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was graduated from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, on June 9, 1952, with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering, and was employed by Vought Aeronautics Co. in the Quality Control Division for 34 1/2 years, retiring June 1, 1985. He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and a professional engineer of the state of Texas. He was an active bowler and loved to play bridge. He said his only claim to fame was his ability to make super delicious chocolate and peanut butter fudge, which he gave away to friends and colleagues.