Earl Lee Haehl

Earl Lee Haehl died in his home in Lawrence, Kansas on July 15, 2025, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1943, and due to a birth injury, he was not expected to survive twenty-four hours. Defying doctor's expectations, he continued to live for another 82 years, finally passing surrounded by family and his beloved cat. Earl lived with Cerebral Palsy, but never allowed his physical condition to interfere with accomplishing his goals in life.

Earl had a passion for the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and photography which continued throughout his life.

Early was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. While attending the University of Kansas, he volunteered with the Church Scout Troop. At a church picnic at the Scoutmaster's home, he met his future wife, Anne. They both graduated in 1968, Earl with a degree in Journalism. They were married in KU's Danforth Chapel, and both joined the VISTA program where they were assigned to Washington D.C.

They finally returned to Lawrence for good, and Earl went on to graduate from the KU School of Law. Earl was admitted to the Kansas Bar, and found a calling in public service.

Earl went to work in the Attorney General's Office as an investigator for the Kansas Commission on Civil Rights. He remained with the State for the next 22 years, finally retiring from the Kansas Department of Corrections as a personnel management specialist in 1999. Not wanting to stay at home, he worked several jobs after retirement, ultimately spending several years sharing his love of the outdoors by working in the customer service department at Cabela's Outdoor Outfitters.

Earl and Anne were blessed with two children, David Haehl and Kate Haehl, and a grandchild, Alex Poulton. He and Anne also helped care for several foster children.

Earl is survived by his wife Anne, of the home. He is also survived by two younger brothers, Stan (Betsy) of Ohio, and Greg of Lawrence, and two nephews Owen, of Athens, OH and Nick of Lawrence. He is preceded in death by his mother Gretchen Haehl (nee Fosket) and adoptive father Chez Haehl.

Services will be at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church; 5700 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049 at 10:00 a.m. on July 22, 2025. Memorial Donations in Earl’s name may be made to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church and be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.