Harry L. Hayes, 85, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully into eternal life on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at home surrounded by his family.

Born on July 22, 1924, in Kenosha, he was the son of the late Walter and Minna (Hess) Butgereit.

A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he attended local schools and was a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Optometry.

From April 2, 1943, until March 9, 1946, Harry honorably served our country during WWII in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

On Nov. 8, 1947, in Chicago, Ill., he was married to Gerda D. Henke.

For over 35 years, Harry was an Optometrist. He was most recently employed with Kindy Optical, retiring in 1990.

Harry was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church. He was a worldwide traveler and enjoyed sailing and taking walks to the lake. Harry was a gifted craftsman, building his first wooden sailboat. Being an avid sailor he loved to cruise the lakes. Harry dedicated much of his life to his family and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Gerda; three children, Michael (Cheryl) Hayes of Kenosha, Phillip Hayes of Newport Beach, Calif., and Elizabeth (John) Allen of Pleasant Prairie; and four grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Hayes, Lindsey and Sarah Allen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Analeise Roders.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 6009 Pershing Blvd. Private interment will take place in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home. Memorial remembrances to Immanuel Baptist Church would be appreciated by the family.

Piasecki-Althaus

Funeral Home

3720 39th Avenue

Kenosha, WI 53144

262-658-4101

Online Condolences at

www.piasecki-althaus.com