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88-year-old West Allis barber to celebrate 75 years behind the clippers

Posted at 6:47 PM, Mar 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-20 19:47:06-04

Gunther Tausch is an 88-year-old barber with almost 75 years of experience under his clippers. He's got steady hands, a smart wit, great jokes, and a warm smile for every single customer. 

Tausch has been in business for himself for more than 60 years and has a large loyal customer base. Jerry Freeck has been coming to Tausch for more than 40 years and Reinhold Haase for 35 years. 

"I come every two months if I need it or not. I come," said Freeck.

For Haase, Tausch is a piece of home, both men are German immigrants.

"I can speak German to him. Only German. I don't like Gunther because he is German, but just because he is a very nice guy," said Haase. 

William Konecmy has been coming to Gunther's Barber & Hair Styling for almost five years. Konecmy has a list of reasons why he's a fan of Gunther: The shop is right down the street from his house, Gunther is a nice man, and it's a good haircut. 

This August marks 75 years of barbering for Tausch and he has no intention of stopping. 

"We always have a lot of fun with customers. That's why I cannot retire. Who otherwise would talk to old man like me?" said Tausch. 

While some days are jam-packed, other days are slower he says. The shop is open to both men and women. Tausch says everyone is welcome.