Rev. William C. Hausmann S.J.

1925 - 2013

Fr. Bill Hausmann, SJ, died December 17, 2013 in Spokane. A lean, athletic man with a playful spirit and caring heart, Fr. Bill served parishes in the Northwest as a dedicated priest and friend to those in need. The fourth of five siblings, William Clemens Hausmann was born in Everett, on December 30, 1925, to Francis J. and Edith (O'Brien) Hausmann. The Hausmann family attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Everett where Bill celebrated his first Mass. The Hausmann boys attended St. Martin's High School in Olympia, where Bill was a standout basketball player. Bill served in the Navy during WWII, and graduated from Santa Clara University in 1950. Prior to entering religious life, Bill worked in his family's meat market in Everett. He entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Sheridan, Oregon, in August 1956. Following the regular course of studies Bill was ordained a priest on June 4, 1966, in Spokane. Drawn to parish ministry, Fr. Bill made this work of the Church the focus of his priestly career. He served at St. Leo (Tacoma), Sacred Heart (Enumclaw), St. Joseph (Cloverdale), St. Ignatius (Portland), St. Michael (Olympia), St. Joseph (Seattle), and St. Francis Xavier (Missoula). Meeting and praying with people over their hopes, fears and needs was a joy to Fr. Bill. He carried an energy and excitement with him that enlivened others, a ray of grace that changed lives and attitudes. Little slowed Fr. Bill down until he suffered a stroke in 2000. Though he pulled back from parish administration, Fr. Bill could not bear to be away from serving God's people as a priest and friend. After recovering from his stroke, Fr. Bill joined the active Jesuits at Gonzaga University in the office of University Ministry. There he cared for students and staff by celebrating sacraments, sharing meals in the dining halls, and stirring up conversations centering on faith and justice. His enthusiasm for people was always evident and his gentle spirit touched the hearts and lives of countless persons. Declining health necessitated a pullback from this ministry of presence in recent weeks, and a severe stroke four days before his death gave others a chance to minister to him and his needs. Fr. Bill played a central role in his large extended family. His kindness, humor, and compassion for others made him a beloved uncle. He joyfully celebrated many family baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He was preceded in death by his three older brothers: Francis (Patricia), Robert (Marge), and Bryce (Kris). His sister, Betty Ferguson of Seattle, survives him. He is also survived by eighteen nephews and nieces, numerous grandnephews and grandnieces, and many cousins, as well as his brother Jesuits of the Oregon Province. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday Jan. 18, at St. Joseph Church, 732 18th Avenue East, Seattle. A memorial Mass will be celebrated in Spokane the following week. Inurnment will be at the Oregon Province Cemetery. Contributions in honor of Fr. Bill Hausmann, SJ, may be sent to The Senior Fund, c/o The Oregon Province Society of Jesus (PO Box 86010, Portland, OR 97286) and/or to Hospice of Spokane (PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210).