Edward Christ Hausmann, son of Joseph P. and Anna (Sondgeroth) Hausmann, was born May 1, 1914 on a farm west of Bonesteel, South Dakota. He passed away on April 4, 2008 in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 93.

Ed was the third of sixteen children born to Joe and Anna. He attended grade school at the Bonesteel Parochial school and graduated in 1928 from the eighth grade. After graduation he was employed by several area farmers, including John Willoughby, Ben Gilbert and Charles Schmitz earning a typical wage of 75 cents per day.

From 1937 to 1943, he was employed at the Bonesteel Post Office, working as a clerk for postmaster Anna Donahue.

On May 1, 1941, Ed married Sylvia Opbroek in Fairfax, South Dakota. To this union 3 children were born; Dennis, Tom and Mary.

Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry Division on March 12, 1943. He served overseas for 18 months and was involved in some of the toughest infantry fighting, taking part in three major battles in France and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. While in Germany, Ed distinguished himself through gallantry in action by eliminating enemy machinegun fire and directing his troops to safety. For his effort and bravery, he received the Silver Star. He was discharged as First Sergeant on October 12, 1945.

Upon discharge from the service, Ed gained employment selling insurance in the Bonesteel Bank. In March, 1951, he was appointed postmaster in the Bonesteel post office, and remained in that occupation until he retired on June 17, 1977.

Ed was very civic minded, serving two terms as mayor of Bonesteel, as well as participating in the Knights of Columbus (50 year Honorary Member), American Legion (Life Time Honorary Member), Parent Teachers Association, Commercial Club, Fire Department, Band Parents, and Cub Scouts. He also coached Junior Legion Baseball. Ed was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church and served the church in many ways, including 35 years as trustee.

Ed and his brother Bill owned and operated Bonesteel Dairy for a number of years; producing, processing and delivering milk products throughout the town.

Ed was preceded in death by four brothers (infant James, Bill, Ray and Joe) and 5 sisters (Kay, Margaret, Sister May Daniel, Marie and Jeanie). He is survived by his wife Sylvia, two sons: Dennis and wife Nancy of Broomfield, CO and Tom and wife Jan of Yankton, SD; one daughter Mary of Detroit Lakes, MN; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the St. Marys Cemetery, Bonesteel. There will be a rosary on Monday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to both services at the Church.