Otto Karl Mayser, 79, passed away in Greenwood, Arkansas on August 8, 2016. Karl was born in Bruchsal, Baden, Germany in 1936 and lived there as a child throughout WWII. He was hit by shrapnel as a boy of 7 while returning home from school during an air raid - a traumatic experience. His home town was invaded by several different armies and therefore he saw/experienced war on a personal level. He came to the United States at age 11, after close of WWII with his mother, aunt and cousins on a troop transport ship. Karl had dual German-American citizenship until he joined the United States Air Force. He was a Korean/Vietnam-era veteran. He is preceded in death by both parents; Rose Mayser Van Gorder and Paul Mayser; brother-in-law, James Treiber; nephew, Robert A. Treiber and niece, Kimberly Swem.
Karl is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Julie Swem Mayser of the home; children, Chris J. Mayser (Vanessa) of Pocola, OK, Tim S. Mayser (Melanie) of Ocala, FL, Janice Mayser Gray of Van Buren, AR; grandchildren, Christina Mayser Fuss (Bob), Cassandra Neilsen ,Richard Williams (Christina ), and Noah Mayser; great-grandchildren, Nehemiah and Sammie Ann; siblings; Rose Marie Mayser Treiber of St. Louis, MO; brother-in-law (honorary brother), Richard W. Swem ( Carol) of Cuba, Ill; brother-in-law, Cloyd M Swem of Florida, and nieces and nephews, James M. Treiber, Linda Treiber Brown, Donna Treiber Schillinger, Chris Vlcek, Barbara Swem ,Jeremy Swem , Kathryn Swem Kaushal ,Tammy Swem Conklin, Jeffrey Swem , and Shannon Swem Canal.
Karl always had a twinkle in his eye, a ready infectious smile, and a zeal for living. He was generous in time and effort to help all who needed it. He started his work career with the Wabash Railroad, in St Louis MO, moved on to Parker-Hannifin Corporation in Des Plaines, Ill, and his last position was as Chief Engineer/Construction Site Supt. at Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau, OK. Karl loved movies, history, and excelled at individual sports such as swimming, fencing, boxing, and his favorite: Golf.
A memorial service will be held 2 pm Friday, September 2 at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Arrangements under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood.
The family wishes to thank Fountain of Youth Adult Day Center, Pink Bud Nursing Home and Peachtree Hospice.
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