Obituary of Richard Theodore Haupert

Richard (Dick) Haupert of Lake Havasu City, AZ, formerly of Dubuque IA passed away on November 14, 2022 after a lengthy illness. Richard was born Dec.1, 1931 in Dubuque, IA to Theodore and Laurina (Beckius) Haupert. He attended St. Columbkille High School. He served in the Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant with the 40th Infantry Division. He married Mary (Dominy) Haupert on Oct. 12, 1957. Immediately following their marriage, they moved to California to pursue his BSAE at Northrop University. He worked for North American Aviation, McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell Int. Richard and Mary settled in La Mirada, California to raise their children, Laura (Rob) Simons, Theodore (Sandra) Haupert, Jeffrey (Treva) Haupert, Mark (Sandra) Haupert, Julie (Brian) Cieslak, Andrew (Enikö) Haupert. He enjoyed a lengthy career in the aerospace industry and retired to Lake Havasu City, AZ in 1990. Once settled in Arizona, Richard and Mary enjoyed a few years of travel with trips overseas to visit their son and to trace their family’s roots. He liked researching the family’s genealogy, all things related to aerospace and snacking on cookies. Although Richard had many interests, his favorite hobby was reading. Wanting to instill the love of reading in others, he and Mary began volunteering at Oro Grande Elementary School. Together they volunteered there for a total 27 years, touching the lives of so many in the community. Working with children was truly one of the greatest joys of his life. Richard was a devoted member of the congregation of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Haupert, his daughters Laura Simons and Julie Cieslak, and his sons Theodore, Jeffery, Mark and Andrew Haupert. He had 14 grandchildren: Ryan Simons, Jenna Marberry, Sean Simons, Tyler Haupert, Andrew Haupert, Troy Haupert, Lauren Carlisle, Shannon Haupert, Steven Haupert, Dana Haupert, William Cieslak, Anne Cieslak, Zsófia Haupert and Éva Haupert. He was also blessed with 4 great-grandchildren with one on the way in January. He also leaves behind his brother Thomas (Jan) Haupert and his sister Phyllis Huffman. Preceding Richard in death were his parents Theodore and Laurina Haupert, his sister Katherine Roll and brother-in-law Gene Huffman. Private family services for Richard will be held next summer. He will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery, CA.