Obituary of Karl Houseknecht

Karl Houseknecht Karl Houseknecht of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Saturday, April 18, 2009 at home, surrounded by his family. He was 82. Son of the late Justin and Alta Gower Houseknecht, he was born on July 14, 1926 in Masten, Pennsylvania. He married the love of his life, Mary E. McKelvey on July 23, 1955 at St. Joseph's Church in New Paltz; Mrs. Houseknecht survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Karl grew up and attended schools in Vestal, New York. After high school, he went on to Harper College, where he attended only one year before he was called to duty. He served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II. After he was honorably discharged, Karl came home to work, marry and raise his family with his wife, Mary. He was an engineer for IBM, spending most of his years in Poughkeepsie, for 35 years until his retirement. In his spare time, Karl enjoyed working around the house; he could fix anything. In retirement, he and his wife had a great love for traveling and camping; they had even lived in Japan for two years when they were first married. Karl was also a member of IBM's Quarter Century Club. In addition to his wife, Mary in Wappingers Falls, he is survived by his son, Karl J. Houseknecht of Kingston; daughter, Patricia Gierloff and her husband, John of Lagrange; sister, Justine Guldenschuh of Vestal; granddaughter, Sarah Shattuck and her husband, Robert of Pleasant Valley; great-granddaughter, Amber; and several nieces and nephews. Karl was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Houseknecht. Family will receive their friends on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday April 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home; Rev. Chris Boyd will officiate. Interment will follow with military honors, in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karl's name to Hospice of Dutchess County, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.