Obituary: Ella Holzhacker Haerle

Ella Holzhacker was born in Nordenham, Germany, in October 1942. In 1954, Ella, older sister Gertrude, little brother Helmut, and her parents, Paula and Eduard, immigrated to the United States, first to the Bronx and then Manhattan, in New York City.

Ella graduated from Central Commercial High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in biology from the City College of New York in 1965. Inspired by her experiences working with inner-city kids at camp for three summers, Ella chose the teaching profession as a career. She taught science at George Washington High School in Washington Heights for two years before relocating to Eau Claire, Wis., where she was enrolled in the University of Wisconsin to earn her Master of Education degree. She stayed in Eau Claire and became a science teacher at the Eau Claire Academy, a school for troubled youths. It was there that she met Arthur Haerle, her future husband.

After almost two decades at the Academy, Ella and Arthur relocated to Globe, Ariz., to escape the cold winters of Wisconsin and decide a course for their future. After attending a job fair in California, they decided to seek positions as education professionals working for the Department of Defense at an overseas U.S. military installation, Ella as a teacher and Arthur as a school psychologist. They moved to Kaiserslauten, Germany, to live and work.

Living in Germany gave Ella an opportunity to pursue her passions, traveling and experiencing new adventures in foreign lands, while at the same time helping children understand the world they inhabit.

Ella and Art retired to Prescott in 1998. They had selected Prescott, Ariz., because of its wonderful weather and strategic location. Traveling, entertaining, and enjoying life as retirees while still contributing to the community were the hallmarks of the Haerle's life in Prescott. Ella's mom, Paula Holzhacker, came to live with them until her death in 2004. When Arthur became ill with Alzheimer's, Ella took care of him until his passing in August 2012. Above all, Ella was a generous and compassionate caregiver, not only in her personal life but in the community as well.

Ella was 70 years old when she passed away on March 28, 2013, at her home in Prescott, surrounded by family. She will be sorely missed.

Ella is survived by her sister Gertrude; brother Helmut; stepdaughters Lynnae and Susan; nieces Kate and Kristine; nephew Mathias; and beloved great-nephews and great-niece George, Charlie, Atticus and Emmeline.

A Celebration of Life ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. April 27, 2013, at the Prescott Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 945 Rancho Vista Drive in Prescott. All are welcome to attend.

Information provided by survivors.


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