William W. Haerther Jr. ’42

William Haerther died April 16, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 91.

Bill prepared for Princeton at the Hotchkiss School. At college he majored in mechanical engineering and roomed with Gordy Bent and Herdy Ulmer, among others. As testimony to his innate friendliness, Bill was elected first secretary and then president of the Tower Club.

After Princeton, Bill was accepted as a trainee in the aviation section of the Navy. Following instruction at the University of Minnesota (where he met his future wife, Eileen), Bill served in a variety of ACORN units in the Pacific. He assisted in creating bases in New Georgia and other points in the Solomons.

Back in civilian life, Bill went to work as an acoustical engineer at Hawley Products in St. Charles, Ill. A number of patents testify to his creativity in this field. Ultimately he wanted to run his own show and bought and managed the Ideal Carbide Die Co. for 20 years.

Bill was an enthusiastic golfer. He and Eileen loved to travel and visited every continent except Antarctica. Eventually they moved to Amelia Island, Fla., where they were able to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

To Eileen; Bill’s daughters, Judith and Emily; and son Thomas, the class sends condolences.