Karl Frederick Heiss and his wife Marisa Bauducco-Heiss died in an auto accident on Highway I-5 near Olympia, Wash. on Oct. 3. Karl was 43 years old, and Marisa was 42.
The accident occurred while on a trip from their home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to visit Karl’s parents in Malibu and, ultimately, to visit Marisa’s parents in Ushuaia, Argentina. Their six-year- old son, Alden, survived in excellent health. Their 11-year-old daughter, Aliana, suffered a brain injury and is in Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Wash.
Karl was born March 20, 1965 in Los Angeles, California. Marisa was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Oct. 11, 1966.
Karl attended the ninth grade at Malibu Park and graduated from Santa Monica High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing at California State University, Northridge, and was an active participant in the school’s music program. Marisa attended universities in Argentina before coming to the U.S. 24 years ago.
The couple had many ventures, such as living in a teepee for a year, and then making and selling them for several years. They also built a straw bale house in Moyie Springs, Idaho.
They also operated a business of importing tea from Argentina and selling it around the world.
Karl is survived by his parents, Fred and Anna Belle Heiss of Malibu, and his sister Maia, of Malibu.
Marisa is survived by her mother Violeta Conti Bauducco, three sisters and one brother, all of Ushuaia, Argentina, and her father, Raul Bauducco, of Northern Argentina.
A memorial service was held in Bonners Ferry in November, and a future memorial in Malibu is being planned. Memorial tributes can be sent to www.karlandmarisa.com. Friends of the family set up a trust for the children, “Bauducco-Heiss Children Fund,” Wells Fargo Bank, 6720 Main St. #5631 Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805.