Walter E. Hauswald was born in 1908 in Fairfield, Iowa. He was raised on a farm in western Illinois and attended high school in Quincy and Alexis. Walter earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana Central College in Indianapolis and his master's degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. In addition to his degrees in physics and chemistry, he developed a particular interest in music. 

Walter began his teaching career in Beardstown, where he taught for five years and met his wife, Amalia. They came to Sycamore in 1935. Walter taught physics and chemistry at Sycamore High School until his retirement in 1974. His students recognized him as the teacher who had the most positive influence on their lives and career choices. Several of his students went on to make significant contributions in their chosen scientific fields. The Sycamore School District 428 board recognized his teaching career with an honorary doctorate in 2000. 

Walter was active in local, state, and national chemistry and science organizations. In 1959, he was chairman of a nationwide group of chemistry teachers who established standardized achievement exams for high school chemistry students. 

Walter was a member of the Federated Church in Sycamore, where he directed the choir for 44 years. He also led the A Cappella Choir at Sycamore High School for many years and sang with the local Kishwaukee barbershop group. He was a faithful member of the Sycamore Chapter of Rotary International. 

Walter E. Hauswald of Sycamore died on Sunday, June 20, 2004. Two years before his death, the Walter E. Hauswald Science Education Endowment Fund was established at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The Fund recognizes the accomplishments of Walter Hauswald and makes yearly distributions to allow the Sycamore High School science programs to purchase equipment and supplies. His legacy of love and support lives on.