Karl Heiss and Marisa Bauducco-Heiss

Karl Frederick Heiss and his beloved wife, Marisa Bauducco-Heiss, died Oct. 3, 2008, in an auto accident on Interstate 5 near Olympia, Wash.

They were on a trip from their home in Bonners Ferry to visit his parents in Malibu, Calif., and ultimately to visit her parents in Ushuia, Argentina. Their 7-year-old son, Alden, survived and is in excellent health. Their 12-year-old daughter, Aliana, suffered a brain injury and is in Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

Karl was born March 20, 1965, in Los Angeles.

Marisa was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Oct. 11, 1966.   

Karl attended elementary and middle school in Studio City, Calif., and ninth grade at Malibu Park Middle School. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in California.

Karl received a bachelor’s in creative writing from California State University, Northridge. He also was an active participant in the school’s notable music program.

Marisa attended elementary schools in Argentina and studied sociology at the University of Buenos Aires before coming to the United States 24 years ago.

They shared their love of nature, arts, crafts and adventure.

Karl enjoyed his talents in music, including playing the trumpet, piano, and guitar as well working with his art and writing.

Marisa was a talented seamstress, designing and constructing clothing for others. She had worked in public health and education.

Marisa and Karl shared interests and efforts in social and political issues. They were always there for friends and for anyone with needs.    

Their first ventures included living in a teepee for a year. They made and sold them for several years.

Karl was interested in straw bale construction. They built a straw bale house, which they have in Moyie Springs. They were residing in Bonners Ferry in a house they remodeled and used for their business.

Karl and Marisa considered their children their most important effort; their work was arranged so they could spend maximum time with them.

They had a Web site business, importing mate tea from Argentina and selling it around the world.  They arranged their lives to allow for home schooling and community family activities.

Karl is survived by his parents, Fred and Anna Belle Heiss and his sister Maia, all of Malibu.

Marisa is survived by her mother, Violeta Conti; three sisters and one brother, all of Ushuia; and her father Raul Bauducco of northern Argentina.

Both children are presently in Seattle under the care of the grandparents.  

Karl and Marisa’s love of life and their genuine spirit will be cherished always. A memorial service was held in Bonners Ferry in November. A memorial will be planned in Malibu in the future.

Memorial tributes can be sent to www.karlandmarisa.com. Friends have set up a trust for the children. It is the  “Bauducco-Heiss Children Fund,”  Wells Fargo Bank, 6720 Main St. #5631, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805.