Kurt Karl Hauser

Kurt K. Hauser, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at the Elizabeth Residence. Kurt was born in Spaichingen, Germany, on February 6, 1929, son of the late Karl and Theresa (Nee: Mueller) Hauser.  

Kurt served his apprenticeship as a master baker in Germany during which time he met the love of his life, Erika Georing.  After a seven-year courtship enjoying much time on Kurt’s small motorcycle together, they were united in marriage on May 14, 1955, in Germany.   Their first child, Reinhold, was born, and shortly thereafter they relocated to Racine in the United States in 1960.

Kurt began employment as a baker on High Street and later at Wisconsin Pattern Company until his retirement in 1991.  Kurt was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he and his family enjoyed many wonderful milestones together.  He was also a member of D.A.N.K., and MGV Harmonia.  As a young boy, Kurt was musically inclined and learned to play the accordion “button box.”   He shared his love of music by performing for many throughout the years.   He was an avid reader whose other pastimes included gardening, watercolor painting, cardiac rehab for over twenty years, and domestic and international travel.  He was very proud of his heritage and obtaining his citizenship.  Kurt especially loved traveling to Germany with his family.  He was deeply committed to his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “OPA.”  He will be sadly missed.

Survivors include his daughters, Karin (Dan) Helbling and their children, Daniel, Natasha (Dustin Hegemann), Emily, all of Yorkville, Evelyn (Steve) Smetana and their children, Mitchell and Erika, all of Racine; brother, Arthur Hauser of Germany; sister, Emma Wolf of Germany; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Erwin (Hella) Goering, Leni Hauser, Herta Kaiser, Walter (Lili) Brandle, all of Germany; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Reinhold; brother, Helmut; sister-in-law, Irma Hauser; brothers-in-law, Jakob Wolf, Rudy Kaiser, Werner (Hilde) Lippold.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating.  Private interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Monday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials to Eco Justice Center or to Meals on Wheels have been suggested.

A very special thank you to the entire staffs at the Elizabeth Residence, Hospice Alliance, and to Dr. Mark Decheck for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine, WI     (262) 634-7888