Karl William Hattler

Dr. Karl W. Hattler, PhD, 83, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 28, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Johnson City, New York on November 5, 1942, to Betty and Clarence Hattler, Karl grew up playing baseball in the streets, working as a bat boy for the Binghamton Triplets, and listening to rock and roll music. In high school, he advocated for sock hops in his high school gymnasium during lunch period, became the record hop, and acted in several school plays.

While working as an orderly at Wilson Memorial Hospital while a senior in high school, he met the love of his life, nursing student Esther Haskins. Though nurse aides were not allowed to date nursing students, they stole a magical first kiss in the elevator when no one was looking and have been together ever since. Following his passion for theater and radio, upon graduation he attended Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where he developed a love for communication, speech, and hearing. Esther and Karl dated when possible, and wrote love letters to each other for four years until Karl could finish college. Karl graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech as salutatorian, gave the college commencement speech, and six days later he and Esther were married at Johnson City First Church of the Nazarene on June 19, 1965.

Karl graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Master of Science in 1968 and enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he worked at Walter Reed hospital in Maryland aiding soldiers that had damaged hearing for four years. While serving in the Army and attending the University of Oklahoma, Karl wrote and published 28 articles on speech and hearing. Karl earned his PhD in audiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1971. The Hattler family then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Karl worked for Lovelace Medical Center as an audiologist and shortly thereafter opened the first audiology clinic in Albuquerque called The Hearing Evaluation Center.

Karl and Esther attended Sandia Church of the Nazarene where Karl built and taught a Sunday school program for young adults. They enjoyed 30 years of teaching Marriage Enrichment workshops, retreats, and growth groups. Karl and Esther also spent 45 wonderful years as leaseholders and attending prayer meetings and camps at Bonita Nazarene Campgrounds where Karl was a board member for 30 years.

Karl's second love was baseball, and he had fond memories of "umping" and coaching at Road Runner Little League where he positively influenced hundreds of children. Later in life you could often find Karl at Isotopes Park or at Hope Christian High School supporting their boys basketball team. He had a passion for rescue dogs and visiting homebound members of his current church Heights First Church of the Nazarene. Karl retired from audiology after 45 years and most recently spent many years as the president of his Cielito Lindo Neighborhood Association.

Karl was a gentle, kindhearted, selfless, and giving man. Everytime you saw Karl, he had an encouraging word to offer. To his children, grandchildren, and friends, he was simply hilarious. His sense of humor and empathy for others was prevalent, even until the very end. He was a walking encyclopedia, a history buff, and had a passion for the news and politics. He was the most intelligent and caring man we know.

Karl is survived by his wife Esther Hattler of 60 years, his children Beth Hattler, Mark Hattler, and Rachael Hattler, grandchildren Christopher Hattler, Tyler Hattler and his wife Haley, Jacob Hattler and his wife Ashley, Trenton Hattler, and Colton Ditto, great grandchildren BayLeigh Young, Colton Gonzales and Scarlette Gonzales, Nolyn Hattler and Hutton Hattler, his sister Karen Anthony, her husband Joe, and their children and grandchildren.

Services will begin with a viewing at French Funerals and Cremations at 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Heights First Church of the Nazarene located at 8401 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque NM, 87109 at 10:00am. There will be a procession to Sandia Memory Gardens 9500 San Pedro Dr. NE, 87113 and interment. You're welcome to follow the procession or remain at the church. Directly after the interment, there will be food and fellowship at Heights First Church of the Nazarene. Come eat and share your fondest memories of our dad.