John A. Hauser

John Alan Hauser of Chicago passed away on October 18, 2021 after 19 years of a joy- and love-filled life. John attended St. Benedict's Elementary School, where his loud imitations of police sirens filled the courtyard during recess and startled the teachers. He played on the school basketball teams during the winters and on Welles Park baseball teams during the summers. He then attended Northside College Prep High School, where he played in the band and was listed on the honor roll. It was during this time that he developed his passion for rowing and joined the Chicago Rowing Foundation team, where he made many close friends. His senior year, he was elected co-captain; he and his crewmembers won the Head of the Hooch Regatta in Tennessee and earned a place as one of the best rowing teams in the nation. His teammates enjoyed his competitiveness lightened with pranks and a sense of humor. Perfecting his imitation of his coach's Australian accent was a goal that made long regatta bus rides pass by more quickly. For his hobbies, he transitioned from playing piano to playing poker. After graduating from high school, he pursued his second passion, a love of flying, by majoring in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota, where he also enjoyed the comradery of his Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers. John lived with integrity and was fearless in speaking out about what mattered to him. He made friends easily and then was steadfastly loyal to them, demonstrating his love through actions as well as words. Hard work came naturally to him at a young age, and neighbors will recall the early morning rhythmic scraping of his snow shovel moving slowly up and down the block. Later, he moved on to jobs such as umpiring, delivering food, scooping ice cream, and finally working as a health aid. In between school, work, and flying, he found time to enjoy long road trips with his friends or family to National Parks. John is survived by his mother Anne Suh, his father Alan Hauser, his sister Grace Hauser, and his grandmother Ruth Suh. He is also survived by beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and his girlfriend Emma. John is preceded in death by his grandparents Irene and Sylvester Hauser and John T. Suh. Visitation will be at the Drake & Son Funeral Home (5303 N Western Ave, Chicago) on Friday, October 29, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Benedict's Church (2215 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago). If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Initiative (https://undalumni.org/JohnsFund).