Jerald Allen Hauser

Jerald Allen Hauser was born on January 24th 1941 in Antigo WI, the oldest of three children born to Verne (Labelle) and Russell Hauser,  The Hausers moved to Milwaukee and Jerry grew up in a time of innocence and spent his days playing, kick the can, red light green light and hide and seek with his brother Tom and little sister Barbara Anderson (Tom).

Jerry was smart and ambitious and he craved education.  He graduated High School and headed to St. Frances de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee with the hope of one day becoming a priest.  When that didn’t work out, Jerry started his Masters Degree at UWM, where he met the pretty blond he would marry.  Suzanne was a perfect companion for Jerry and he loved her dearly.  They had two little girls who idolized their Dad and learned the art of gardening and the discipline of hard work and planning for their future.  Jerry continued his education, securing a PHD and a good teaching job at Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee.

After a time, Jerry was hired on at St. Norbert College in DePere WI.  Jerry and Suzanne moved their little family up north and built a great life full of fun, travel and sports, the girls playing softball and soccer.  Sadly, Suzanne contracted cancer and passed away in February 2001. 

Jerry’s daughters were grown and starting families of their own.  Lori Allaire, and husband Scott gave Jerry three adorable Grandchildren. Daniel, Jack, and Camille.  Jerry loved being a Grandfather and lavished his love and affection upon those young lives.  Jenny Hauser-Olejniczak and husband Tom gave him Grace and Lila and again, Jerry rejoiced in the goodness of his luck.

Jerry passed his time gardening, growing beautiful flowers which he tended lovingly, and staying active by walking, running, bike riding and going to the gym.  Jerry went about life full steam with no regrets. 

Jerry was also a poet of much local renown and has had his poems published in many places.  He also enjoyed reading his poems at local events where he met a woman who caught his eye.  Carol was a shy poet also and was surprised when Jerry asked her out.  They realized quickly that they got along well and after a year, Jerry asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes.

Carol had four of her own daughters from another marriage and Jerry embraced them, seeing them as young ladies he could help become women, the same as he did his own daughters.  Michele Cathers, Theresa Mitchell (Beth), Jennifer Cathers, and Erin Berrens, looked up to Jerry and were very happy for their mother who had been lucky enough to find Jerry and become his wife.  Carol also had two Grandchildren, Lucas and Rayna Apsey who loved their Grandpa Jerry and spent many days learning from Jerry how to be as good as they could be, Jerry was a perfect example for them.

Jerry retired from St Norbert College in 2007 proud of his career teaching education to eager students.  Jerry had also started and ran a program for young Native American youth who might one day go to college at St. Norbert.  Jerry and Carol lived a good life sharing their love of poetry and traveling to new and different places. 

After awhile, Jerry began forgetting things and when he went to the doctor, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  As his symptoms worsened, Carol took care of him as best she could alone, but after several years, she admitted him into Heartwood Homes Senior Living where Jerry spent the better part of three years being cared for by loving and highly trained professionals.  Then Jerry started falling and getting weaker.  He gave over to Alzheimer’s Disease on Tuesday August 6th.  Jerry leaves behind all those mentioned above and one Niece and three Nephews, extended family and many friends.  Jerry will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at St. Norbert Chapel-Old St. Joseph Catholic Church, 123 Grant St., DePere,  on Saturday, August 10th.  Visitation will begin at 10 AM and a Memorial Service at Noon.  All are welcome to attend.

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