Harold Lauth Obituary

Harold Vincent Lauth Jr., known as "Hal" to friends and colleagues and affectionately called "Sonny" by his family and childhood friends, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, in Walnut Creek, California, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old.
He is the son of the late Harold V. Lauth, Sr. and Carolyn "Kerrie" (Denevan) Lauth. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann (Hellmann) Lauth, his brothers Laurence V. Lauth and William J. Lauth, and sisters Mary Carolyn Lauth and Rita (Lauth) Jankowski.
He is survived by his children, Susan Foster, Michael Lauth (Cynthia), Karen Harwood (Arlon), Stephen Lauth, Jennifer Martinez (Leo), and Nancy Zumalt (Royce). He was the beloved Granddad to Nicole Bell (Tom), Daniel Foster (Jen), Ryan Foster, Devon Kern, Audrey Harwood, John Lauth, Cameron Lauth, Samuel Lauth, Nathan Brinkley, James Brinkley and Brayden Zumalt. He also was blessed with three great-granddaughters: Charlotte Saenz-Foster, Kennedy Bell and Kinsley Bell. He is also survived by his brothers, James H. Lauth, Sr. and Thomas G. Lauth, and his sister, Mary Clare (Lauth) Cumberland.
Born on January 10, 1933, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Hal moved with his family as an infant and was raised on the Agricultural Research Center Farm in Maryland, where his father was Director of Personnel. He was one of eight children and grew up with a strong sense of family, responsibility, and hard work. He attended Gonzaga High School and earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland.
During college, Hal took a break from his studies to serve for two years in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Greenland. Though his time in the military was brief, he was proud to have served his country before returning to complete his education.
In 1955, Hal married the love of his life, Ann, and together they created a full and joyful life. They had six beautiful children, all born in Maryland. After early employment with Jeep, Volkswagen, and the National Milk Foundation, Hal continued his career in Public Relations working with Henry J. Kaiser. In 1968, the family moved to Oakland, California, when Hal accepted a position with Kaiser Industries. It was in the Oakland Hills that Hal and Ann put down deep roots and raised their family.
Hal's career included leadership roles with Kaiser Industries, Kaiser Engineers, and Kaiser Permanente. He also contributed to national politics, working as an advance man on Hubert Humphrey's 1968 presidential campaign. His work took him and the family briefly to West Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1977 with Kaiser Resources, before returning to Oakland to continue his career with Kaiser Engineers. He later consulted for Kaiser Permanente, remaining professionally active for many years.
Hal was strong in his faith, and he and Ann were parishioners at St. Theresa's Church in Oakland for over 50 years, where all six of their children attended grammar school.
An avid golfer, Hal was a member of Claremont Country Club in Oakland for over 30 years, where he built lasting friendships and served on several committees. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Northern California Golf Association and had the honor of playing in the 2002 AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. He was a devoted sports fan, cheering for the Raiders, A's, Redskins, 49ers, Warriors, and his Maryland Terrapins.
Though accomplished in many areas, nothing mattered more to Hal than his family. He was a devoted husband, a firm but loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was steadfast in his values, generous with his time, and always ready to help anyone. His strength, guidance, and love shaped the lives of all who knew him.
In addition to those listed above, Hal is also survived by his cousins, sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored. He will not be forgotten by the many who knew and loved him; he will continue to be an inspiration to us all. He will be deeply missed, but we take great solace in knowing that he is with our Savior and is reunited with his wife and family members.
The Lauth family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at Atria Walnut Creek, who provided compassionate care over the past several years, especially in the Memory Care unit. Special thanks to Lifeguard Hospice, who supported Hal with attentive care during his final year, and to Loving Touch Care Home for their kindness and dignity in his final days.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa's Church, 30 Mandalay, Oakland, CA. Interment will take place immediately following at St Mary Cemetery, 4529 Howe St, Oakland 94611