Elke Magdalene Haupt entered this life on August 25, 1959 and passed on April 25, 2025, at the age of 65, but her indomitable spirit will not be forgotten.
A longtime resident of O’Fallon, Ill., Elke was born in Wiesbaden, Germany but relocated to Crestline, Calif. with her family when she was in high school and graduated from Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, Calif. After high school, she took a job as a nanny and started college at the University of California at San Bernadino and later (after entering the Air Force) graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bellevue University in Nebraska.
After a year of college, a friend suggested that she join the US Air Force. She thought about it and decided that was the way to go (at least for a 4-year enlistment). The Air Force gave her the opportunity to learn a skill she could use in life, finish her education, serve her new country, and all this while getting paid!!! So, on March 15, 1982 she started her Air Force career. She was in!! Through the Air Force, she criss-crossed the country and touched the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call her sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, co-worker or pal.
Elke was loved by the few people who really got to know her. She treasured her time talking to her friends, but she was especially treasured by her beloved family. Her “Never Give Up” resilience and sarcastic sense of humor will be sorely missed. She faced so many medical challenges, but her persevering attitude continuously inspired the medical staff at the numerous hospitals where she received care. She often commented that she had so many metal parts that she was “Bionic.”
Elke was preceded in passing by her mother Gertrud Marta Abé of Frankenheim auf der Rhön, Germany, her father Reinhold Otto Wahl of Wiesbaden, Germany, and her stepmother Erika Fleck of Offenbach, Germany.
She is survived by her husband John Edward Haupt of O’Fallon, Ill. her loving son, Joshua Haupt of Plano, Texas whom she treasured with all of her heart, her loving sister Andrea (Heinz) of Saulheim, Germany, step-brother Wolfgang (Pia) Fleck of Heidenrod-Niedermeilingen, Germany, step-brother Hansi (Hans-Jürgen) Fleck of Olbernhau, Germany, step-sister Marianne Schrauth of Holzhausen, Germany, and step-sister Rosi Walke of Heusenstamm, Germany, along with four nieces and nephews.
Elke was known for her trademark quick wit and lighthearted sarcastic retorts. Her charismatic delivery made her stand out in every crowd. She will be remembered by so many, for a variety of reasons, but most importantly for her perseverance in the face of adversity. She faced medical hurdles that would seem to be incomprehensible to most people, but she never gave up. On more than one occasion she lost her ability to walk and to talk. She became confined to her home, but she never gave up. She regained those skills and kept going.
Elke had a very rewarding military career. She was recognized as an exceptional leader and was regarded as one of the top Contracting Officers in the Air Force. Her specialty was Building Construction and at one time she was of the few officers to hold an “Unlimited Warrant”, meaning she could approve contracts without cost constraints. We are very proud of her achievements; her awards and honors will always serve as an inspiration to us. We will carry her memory with us forever.
At this time, the family would like to extend their gratitude and love to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at St Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Ill. who have shown such tremendous kindness and love. We will always be grateful to the wonderful caregivers, who helped ease Elke’s pain and suffering and provided such exceptional care and friendship.
A private reception will be held at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice of charity.
