Anna E. Hauser

Anna E. Hauser (Kerber), 94, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, just one week shy of her 95th birthday.
Born in Chicago to Frank and Ella (née Splittgerber) Kerber, Anna was the youngest of four children. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Lorraine (Larry) Wolfelschneider; her brothers, Herman Kerber and Sgt. Charles Kerber (who lost his life in the Korean War); her husband, Robert "Ernie" Ernest Hauser; and her cherished grandson, Brandon Hauser.
Anna witnessed the laboring life of her parents. She spoke of them with deep affection. She also bragged of the love and protection her siblings gave her throughout her childhood. Growing up during the Great Depression and several wars afforded her very little, yet one of her fondest memories remained the only doll she ever owned-a treasured gift from her brothers. Their sacrifices, kindness and the bond they shared shaped her gentle spirit and stayed close to her heart throughout her life.
On May 28, 1949, Anna married the love of her life, Robert "Ernie" Ernest Hauser. Together they raised three children-Carol (Randy) Wilson, Jeanette (Andrew) Pancratz, and Richard (Susan) Hauser-rooted in faith at St. Alphonsus Church and School. Anna was active in the Women's Club and often performed in church productions. Through the many decades of Ernie's declining health, Anna's devotion never wavered. She developed a gentle toughness and a steadfast independence, navigating life with strength and grace as she cared for her family.
Anna entered the workforce managing dry cleaners and laundromats. She later worked at Scott-Abbott and Continental Insurance. Her favorite role of all came after Ernie's passing, when she volunteered to call Bingo for seniors at the local McDonald's-a place Ernie had frequented for morning coffee. Her warmth naturally drew people in, and she treated everyone she met like family.
Anna was "Grandma" to Carrie (Bill Winters) Wilson; Mark (Brooke) Pancratz; Zachary (Stephanie) Pancratz; Jacob (Felicia) Pancratz; Drewann (Bradley) Reibel; Jamie (Timothy) O'Brien; and Justin (Tia) Hauser. She treasured every moment spent holding and loving on them. Though she never learned to drive, she took them on countless adventures by foot and public transportation-the movies, the Waldorf Room, downtown Christmas windows, the zoo, even a memorable trip to Florida. Her cooking created lasting memories as well: meatloaf, liver and onions, tuna noodle casserole, chop suey, and sponge cake were family favorites. At their sporting events, she could be heard cheering her signature "Woohoo!" She was often dressed in her apron vest at home or in colorful, coordinated outfits complete with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings when heading out-feeling especially pretty after a fresh perm. She enjoyed her sweets, but "just a little," or "a little of each."
Anna loved and embraced being "GG" to Charli, Landri and Jovi Pancratz, Kennedy and Lucas Pancratz, Harrison, Nolan and Shane O'Brien, Payton, Mikayla, Colton and Rylee Pancratz, and Isaiah Hauser. They brought a special sparkle to her eyes. She delighted in showing them off-carting them around on her walker, bringing them to her activities, or sharing pictures and videos with everyone she met. Their artwork proudly decorated her door for all to see.
Anna could light up any room. Her unforgettable cackle made everyone around her smile. She enjoyed telling jokes, but never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings, so she often ended them with "I'm only joking." Her family equally joked with her or teased her with challenges, where she would say "Oh, com'on" or "You're joking." She often wrapped up her stories with "The moral of the story "
Curious and adventurous, Anna welcomed new experiences-new foods, activities, exercises, even attempting the iPad and iPhone. She loved studying horse-racing stats and often picked the Kentucky Derby winner. The Chicago Cubs was her favorite sports team. She enjoyed game shows, card and board games, especially Rummy, Bingo and CLR; her exhilaration when she won could fill an arena. She watched shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Tom Jones in earlier years and enjoyed Dancing With the Stars and America's Got Talent more recently. She loved to dance and was the belle of the ball at family weddings.
Anna also loved to sing-at church, along with the radio, or for birthdays. She never missed calling a family member and singing the entire "Happy Birthday" song to them, often ending phone calls with "I love you a bushel and a peck." She was generous beyond her means, giving all she could to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for every birthday and holiday. She never missed placing an offering in the church basket, a quiet reflection of her unwavering faith. Anna gave freely of her time, always helping and caring for friends and family in any way she could. She was deeply loved and cherished by her many nieces and nephews from the Kerber and Hauser families.
Despite the many hardships she faced-what many would call a difficult life-her spirit remained unshakably positive. She knew the blessing that life is and spread love to everyone around her, whether they asked for it or not. Her example-humble, strong, joyful, giving-inspired all who were fortunate enough to cross even a small path with her.
So, while she might begin her calls with "It's only mother calling" or "It's only grandma calling," Anna was never "only." She was a light, a gift, a steady presence of unconditional love. She taught by example that life is not about what you have, but what you give. She was often described as "the sweetest," bringing pleasure and warmth wherever she went. We remember and honor her as she so often ended her phone calls: "Give my love to "
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Ahlgrim and Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a prayer service at 11:00 a.m. A procession will then continue to the chapel at St. Luke's Cemetery, 5300 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Honor Flight Chicago.