At nearly a century old, the last member of the Joseph Hausmann family has peacefully arrived at his long-awaited reunion in heaven.

Don Hausmann – a kind patriarch with a giant presence, an exemplary Christian with a gentleness that resonated among us – died Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was surrounded ever faithfully by his children, who prayed the rosary and many Hail Marys with him until the final beat of his strong heart. He was 97 years old.

It was a true privilege to know Don, to hold his hand, to have his spirit in many of our memories and to learn from his compassion. To love him was to be changed for the better.

"Oh, for the cat's sake," he would say, if he knew even half of how much he was adored.

Donald Joseph Hausmann was born Aug. 30, 1927, to Joseph and Anna (Sondgeroth) Hausmann on their family farm north of Bonesteel, South Dakota. He was one among 16 children, three of whom would sing with him in the Hausmann Brothers Quartet, two of which became nuns, seven of which all returned safely from war, and all of which helped to grow the rich and robust Hausmann family lineage.

Don received his education in Bonesteel, helped on his family farm during his young years and in 1951 served as Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and later received two Purple Hearts for his gallantry.

While overseas, Don received over 300 letters from his darling, Berniece Rose Pistulka, whom he married on July 5, 1952, at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Fairfax, South Dakota. They were married for 30 years and raised six children, first in a two bedroom rented home in Bonesteel and then on the corner of Garrison Street and First Avenue. Don cherished their time together, with his rose garden in the back and porch swing in the front. Berniece preceded Don in death in 1982.

In the summer of 1984, Don married Leona (Opbroek) Pistulka, and they were married until her death in 2008.

In 1954, Don founded Hausmann Construction and worked alongside his son Greg for 30 years before retirement. Don was patient, meticulous to detail and a humble leader in his craft.

"This is going to be here long after I'm gone," he would say while spending hours perfecting his stonework. "I want it to be done right, so people can enjoy it for years to come."

In 2019, Don moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and became a member of the Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community, where he charmed staff and many new friends over lunch, walks and games of pool.

Even in his later years, Don was a sharp storyteller, witty and spry as ever as a lifelong learner. There are still notes in the margins of his Bible and cookbooks, 50 years' worth of subscriptions to the National Geographic magazine and always a book at the table. He was drawn to biographies, photo books and never missed the daily newspaper. His curiosity kept him young.

Don's unforgettable legacy is in all who remain here. You will hear him in his family's buoyant laugh and see him in their smiles. May you think of him in every church hymn, as you pass any rose garden in bloom or hear the harmonies in an a cappella song.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna; his wife, Berniece; his brothers Ed, Bill, Ray, Len, Joe, Harry, Bob and infant James; and his sisters Alma, Margaret, Kay, Martha (Sr. David), Marie, Helen (Sr. Daniel) and Jeanie.

He is survived by his six children: Sue Weddle, Ruth Hausmann, Steve Hausmann, Greg (Kathy) Hausmann, Laurie Parr and Julie (Curt) Puetz; eight grandchildren: Angela (Bobby) George, Amanda (Derek) Zeisler, Ashley (Nick) Rehder, Vanessa (Stephen) Plucker, Kim (Blake) Doten, Emily Puetz, Tyler (Paige) Parr, Trevor (fiancée Marina) Puetz; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation services, including a rosary with family present, will be 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, South Dakota.

A celebration of Don's life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, also at Immaculate Conception. A burial and graveside service for close family and friends will follow at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.