Georgene P. Hausner

Having illuminated the lives and hearts of many, God called His faithful prayer warrior, Georgene Hausner, home on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Georgene was born on July 23, 1940, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Clifford and Bernice (Fecker) Wolterstorff, the oldest of four siblings. Growing up on a farm, she developed a strong work ethic and an advocacy for agriculture, proudly showing cattle in 4-H and serving as the Dunn County Dairy Queen.

After graduating from Menomonie High School in 1958, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1962. In college she ventured to Glacier National Park to work for one summer, which remained a special place in her heart and she revisited with her husband in 2003. After college she was proud to work as a Home Economics Agent in UW Extension, supporting the education of youth and adults to build stronger families.

While working at the Marquette County Extension Office, Georgene was introduced to a young Soil Conservation Technician who worked in the same town. This fateful meeting led to a lifetime of memorable moments. They married on July 2, 1966, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Boyceville, WI. Georgene often remarked that their marriage was destined from the baptismal font, uniting Georgene Paula Wolterstorff and Eugene Paul Hausner.

Together, Georgene and Gene welcomed three daughters-Julie, Mary Beth, and Louann-raising them to value faith, family and the importance of helping others.

Georgene possessed remarkable empathy, believing that a smile could make a meaningful difference in someone's day. Her radiant smile and compassionate heart brightened any room she entered. Georgene celebrated life, from bringing her young daughters to visit and sing songs for nursing home residents, to being a steadfast advocate for the unborn and receiving special recognition from the Sauk County Right to Life, she encouraged all to recognize the beauty and value in every life, at every stage.

A master of creativity, Georgene "invented" many dishes, to inspire confidence in young cooks and make memorable time together. From Kindergarten Sandwiches to Oscar the Grouch Stroganoff to her famous Roast Beef to Caramel Rolls for the church bazaar to energizing No-Bake Cookies for the cross-country team, she generously shared her culinary talents not only with her family, but also with her daughters' friends and teammates, ensuring everyone could feel her support and hospitality.

For over thirty years, Georgene made a profound impact as a 4-H Leader, dedicating herself to being a mentor and coach in many projects from public speaking to foods to clothing. Her ability to inspire confidence in young people was evident in the way she helped them discover their strengths and grow.

Georgene's encouragement was often felt in her uplifting words, offer to pray a rosary, and unwavering support. She was often the first to begin applauding in recognition of others' efforts, ensuring that every achievement was celebrated and every challenge met with positivity.

Her patient and selfless commitment to nurturing youth was also found teaching, both in teaching religious education at St. Joseph's Church in Barron, WI, and as a substitute teacher in Barron and Spring Green, WI. Regardless of the subject, from welding to world history, she approached every class with a genuine desire to help each child reach their fullest potential.

For over a decade, Georgene worked at the Customer Call Center at Lands' End. Her warm and caring approach reflected her deep commitment to helping others, ensuring that each interaction left customers feeling heard and cared for.

An incredible worker bee, Georgene supported the honey and beekeeping industry as the daughter of beekeepers and mother to two Wisconsin Honey Queens. She spent hours supporting the promotion of honeybees at the local, state, and national levels. Her and Gene's dedication was recognized earning the 2024 Wisconsin Honey Producer's Pioneer Award, a distinction her parents had proudly earned 30 years earlier.

Georgene's lively spirit was evident whether she was square dancing with friends or sharing a friendly game of cribbage; she kept everyone on their toes.

Her devotion to sports ran deep, and she cherished opportunities to cheer on her Grandson, Jordan, playing football and basketball, and to root for the Badgers and Packers. A special highlight was her 75th birthday, which she joyfully marked by attending her first-and only-trip to Lambeau Field with her family, a memorable experience that brought her immense happiness.

Georgene is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Gene; her daughters Julie (Jon) Bauch, Mary Beth (Jeff) Wachsmuth, and Louann Hausner; her grandchildren Jordan Bauch, Amanda (Justin) Olive, Joshua (Randel) Wachsmuth, and Janessa (Brad) Dahlberg; and great-grandchildren Avery, Cullen, Ariya, Rudy, Raya, Dawson, and Lydia. She is survived by her brothers Clifford John (Vicki) Wolterstorff and Mike (Robyn) Wolterstorff, her sister Linda (Gayle) Bacon, sisters-in-law Marlene Dischler and Rita (Jerry) Pickar, Goddaughter Tina Bacon, Godson Keith Weber, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her extended fur family, Nala, Luna, Boomer & Hank. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, and brothers-in-law John F. Dischler and Leon Hausner.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 4:30-7pm with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30pm at the Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green, WI. Feel free to wear your Green Bay Packer or Wisconsin Badger sporting apparel to the visitation to show your support for Georgene's favorite teams. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Spring Green, with visitation prior, beginning at 10am. Lunch and burial will follow the service.

If you wish to honor Georgene, please feel free to make a donation in her honor to these organizations that she supported: the Community Food Pantry of Spring Green, St. John's Catholic School in Spring Green, Sauk County Right to Life, Wisconsin Right to Life, and Breast Cancer Research.

Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.