Paul Frederick Hasel

Paul Frederick Hasel graduated into eternal life on December 31 in Osceola, Iowa. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1921, Paul earned his masters of divinity from Colgate Rochester in 1946. Paul faithfully served in pastoral ministry for 65 years. From 1947-50 he and his wife Haven were Baptist missionaries to Burma, where he laid the groundwork for the Hpu Hsan Paw Bible School that he continued to support throughout his life. From 1951-56 he served Baptist churches in California and from 1956-86, pastored Iowa United Methodist churches in Colo, Des Moines (Easton Place), Columbus Junction/Columbus City and Cedar Rapids (Salem). In retirement he was an ecumenical minister to winter visitors in Mesa, AZ and for UMC congregations in Cedar Falls and Ventura, where he retired a third time in 2003.

Paul was a participant in the 1963 March on Washington and picketed for fair housing in Des Moines. He also was active in healing, charismatic and prison ministries. After the 911 attack, Paul sought greater inter-faith dialog and worshipped regularly with Muslim and Jewish communities in Mason City. He embodied the instruction that Muslims, Christians and Jews should "compete in doing good deeds."

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Harris Hasel (Ventura) and his children Anne (Tom) Murr, Osceola; Cheryl Hasel, Delhi; Philip (Elizabeth) Hasel, Paso Robles, CA; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Hasel and Ruth Peters Hasel; by his wife of 46 years, Haven Binford Hasel; his brother, John; and granddaughter, Michelle Murr Kelley.

He is remembered with gratitude by all whose lives he touched. A service to honor Paul's life will be held in June at Easton Place United Methodist Church in Des Moines.

Memorials may be sent to http://friendsofburma.org for the Hpu Hsan Paw Bible School.

Arrangements under the direction of McLaren's Chapel, West Des Moines, Iowa 515-225-7225.