Walter H. “Bud” Hauser passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side, on Friday, February 14, 2014.
Bud was born on May 30, 1924 in Tupper Lake, NY to Delia (Saulnier) and Walter E. Hauser. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1942, taking business courses during that time which helped him while in the U.S. Army.
He was drafted in the Spring of 1943 and served until his honorable discharge on November 11, 1945. He was part of the 743rd Tank Battalion, attached to the 30th Infantry Division, one of the first units to take to the beaches in Normandy. Bud was working at headquarters as a supply and mail clerk, landed 10 days after D-Day, and was eventually assigned to tank duty. He fought through Holland, Belgium, France, and into Germany. His unit waited outside Berlin for the Russians to enter the city. Bud was also part of the Battle of the Bulge. His unit received a Presidential Citation, and he personally received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was also the recipient of the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor, presented to him by the French Ambassador in a very special ceremony at West Point. This past Fall, Bud’s service to our country was also celebrated with an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience which brought him immense pleasure.
After his discharge Bud worked on the railroad and then the Oval Wood Dish Corporation. It was there that he met his future bride, J. Shirley (Varden) Hauser. They were united in marriage in May of 1947, and have resided for most of their near 67 yrs of marriage in the house that Bud built on Washington St.
Bud was also employed for the Jones and Loughlin Steel Corporation in Star lake, NY, was self employed, worked at Sunmount for a couple of years, and also helped to build the Blue Mountain Museum. At the time of his retirement at the age of 62, he had been working for the U.S Post Office.
After his retirement Bud and Shirley spent almost 24 years spending the winters in Florida and summers in Tupper Lake, enjoying life and making memories with treasured family and friends.
Anyone who knew Bud can testify to his work ethic. He was happiest when he was busy with chores around his home or at his beach cottages and seldom was one to sit still. Bud also enjoyed wood projects, especially hand crafting natural twig furniture and picture frames, as well as carving scenic pictures.
Bud’s family hopes that when he enters the Pearly Gates, the Lord will have a long list of projects to keep Bud content, and an 18 hole golf course where he can walk to his heart’s content.
Bud leaves behind his wife Shirley, his daughter Charlene of Tupper Lake, niece Lisa (Varden) Peck, of Oneida, NY, granddaughter Christine Homa of Connecticut, older brother Bill of Texas, younger brother Dick of Alabama, and many nieces and nephews throughout the country, all of whom he held with great affection.
Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, February 20 from 4-7 pm at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Church on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 2:00 pm, with a reception for friends and family immediately following at the VFW on Park St.
The family wishes for anyone who would like to make a contribution in his name to please consider the Salvation Army at www.salvationarmyusa.org, or to North Country Honor Flight, 1 Derek Dr, Keesville, NY 12944

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Walter H "Bud" Hauser, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.