Adolf (Billy) Hauf

12/15/1934 — 3/20/2018

• Service Date: 3/28/2018
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Growing up on the farm, dad attended rural grade school and then high school in Max, N.D., graduating in 1953. He joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation and spent the next three years in France and Germany. He enjoyed the time he spent overseas working as a microwave radio repairman. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Occupation Medal (Germany). He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1957.

Education and training was his next focus as he began his college career at home, attending Minot State University, studying pre-engineering. While going to school, dad was employed at KMOT-TV as their engineer. He not only controlled power to the antennas, monitored broadcasts, but also braved the tall climb up the towers to change out the strobe lights. He once quipped that he made big bucks just to change light bulbs.

In Minot, he met my mother, Wanda Louise Miller. They were married June 7, 1958. Together, they moved to Fargo, N.D., so that dad could complete his engineering degree at North Dakota State University. Mom encouraged him to stay one more year to complete his master's degree in electrical engineering. Dad worked evenings at WDAY-TV in Fargo as the station engineer. On Feb. 9, 1963, early morning cartoons were broadcasting in the background when he got the word that he was a father to a baby girl, who was me. A few months later, dad graduated from NDSU.

We moved to Arco, Idaho, where dad worked for Phillips Petroleum and the Atomic Energy Commission. Being "flat landers," we quickly learned to enjoy the desert and mountains of the area. Purchasing their first four-wheel-drive vehicle, an International Scout, my parents rigged a travel crib in the back of the Scout for me, packed up a box dinner and headed out to "tootle" around the back roads of the area, fishing and scouting. Their love for the outdoors and exploring new places continued even after we moved to dad's new job in Portland, Ore.

Dad went to work for Bonneville Power in 1965. He worked in their Portland main office at the Lloyd Center for five years before taking a transfer to Lewiston. Working in Lewiston was a new venture on many levels. The newly started Lewiston District Office was a garage, and his electrician passed away within a week of arriving. At one point, the operation was out of our home in the Lewiston Orchards until the current office was built. Being by himself for about a year, he traveled all over the area, maintaining Bonneville's microwave radio stations in the mountains. At times, my mother went with him for support. Once he came home from work after driving up to Southwick to check on the microwave at Teakean Butte. He was pale and excited and he told us that he encountered an older woman mounted on a horse, with a .30-30 cracked across her saddle. Unhappy that he was there, apparently traveling on her property, the woman made it clear that she had no need for the federal government and what they had done to her property. That day dad met Daisy Stage, who later became a good friend. After he found out what kind of treatment she had received from some individuals, dad encouraged the "higher ups" to make it right with her.

Skirting around the mountains in the Sno-Cat, my parents continued their love for the outdoors, while making sure that dad didn't get lost or have troubles. Later, when the office was finished, then the rest of the crew moved in. After 30 years of dedicated service, dad retired from BPA in 1993.

Retirement brought a new love for travel, and so mom and dad bought their motorhome. Traveling all over the Southwest was something they enjoyed and made many friends.

Dad lost mom in May 2006. He managed until his health issues got in the way and then by that time, I moved back in with him to help out and eventually care for him until his passing.

We have always had pets over the years. He loved each and every one of them. Pets went with us everywhere since we considered them to be family.

Throughout his life, dad was an active member of the Elks, American Legion and Kiwanis Club. He was often drafted to help with projects in 4-H and Girl Scouts, along with being a resource for members. Passing on viable transferable skills to me, he taught me everything I know about cars and trucks, electronics and mechanics. The year I damaged our favorite car, my father decided my punishment would be to take the car apart and put it back together again. Quality time and arguing was a summer experience as he and I worked on our car. After it was all over, I was not only wiser, but also able to produce a project that today I still use to inspire students and pass on those skills. I guess if I was to do any looking back ... I am my father's daughter.

Dad was preceded in death by mom; my infant brother, Mark Steven; both of his parents; and his older brothers, Fritz, Alvin and Robert. Dad is survived by his daughter, Julane Hauf-Lowry; his sisters, Lena Belew of Tucson, Ariz., Betty Buxa of Rochester, Minn. and Evelyn Pryor of Denver, Colo.; brothers Emil (Edie) Hauf of Max, N.D., Allen (Linda) Aplass of Walla Walla and Dale (Nadine) Miller of Athol, Idaho; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Normal Hill Cemetery. Malcom's Brower-Wann is handling arrangements. There will be a no-host luncheon at Applebee's after interment. In lieu of flowers, please make a thoughtful contribution to your favorite charity or organization in his honor. On behalf of my father, I would like to thank the following: Pastor Peggy from Grace Lutheran Church, Elite Home Health and Hospice, Open Arms Home Care, Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, family and friends for all your love, care, friendship and support. My father is at peace and in a better place because of you.

Service Information

Date & Time

Wednesday, March 28, 1:00 PM

Location

Normal Hill Cemetery
1122 7th Street
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

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