Search by Name

Search by Name

Joseph Hausauer Obituary

Joseph Hausauer

Joseph Hausauer, a financial innovator, active community volunteer, and coach died surrounded by his beloved family on March, 3, 2013, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Born in Wahpeton, North Dakota, in 1953, Joe grew up hunting and fishing, flying planes, and reading volumes of history, his passion. He graduated from the University of North Dakota, where he played football and served as an assistant coach. His love of business eventually led him to Wall Street, where he worked as a broker for E.F. Hutton and met his future wife, Liz. Moving west to Bellevue, Washington, Joe pioneered one of the first online mortgage companies, Keystroke Technologies. In 2000, he relocated with his family to Marco Island, Florida. He worked in banking and commercial real estate and quickly became a community leader through his involvement with the Marco Island Charter Middle School, the Rotary Club, and the Marco Island YMCA.

Joe's compassion and kindness defined him. He was a natural mentor to children and teenagers, volunteering many hours at the YMCA as well as coaching the Lely High School Freshman football team.

With humor, curiosity, and intelligence, Joe lived his life to the fullest and inspired countless others through his generosity and integrity.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, their two children, Katherine and Samuel (Jessica), and granddaughter Riley. He also leaves his sister, Janis Burke and her husband Vern, their children Clay and Caitlin, and two brothers Steve and Terry Hoffman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Joseph A. Hausauer Scholarship of the Marco Island YMCA. Please make checks payable to the Marco Island YMCA, 101 Sandhill Street, Marco Island, Florida 34145, (239-394-3144).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hausauer

Not sure what to say?





Beret Furuseth Hagen

February 20, 2014

Joe was a friend of mine at UND, and when my husband's (boyfriend at the time) grandma died unexpectedly, Joe, who barely knew Doug, flew him down to Fargo and back for the funeral. Just one of those nice "Joe" things he was always doing for others. Can't believe he's gone. May his family seek comfort in the memory of his fine and generous spirit.

Julie (Thimjon) Costello

March 24, 2013

Joe was always the hunky guy with the smile in High School. I also remember him playing the drums in jazz band. He has left behind a wonderful legacy of people he loved and helped. May this be a comfort and give you strength.

Mario and Anne Catalano

March 13, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to Liz, your children and all Joe's family on the loss of your wonderful husband, father and loved one. He will clearly be missed by many.

Tom and Rose Riscili

March 11, 2013

Liz,
We just learned of the passing of your beloved husband Joe. We were so saddened to learn this, but know that he is at peace and in a better place. God bless you and your family during this very difficult time! You're in our hearts and prayers!
Love and God bless,
Tom and Rose Riscili

March 9, 2013

We all grew up together with cousin Joe on the shores of East Battle Lake. He was always the good kid...the quiet kid. He grew up to be the kind of man that NEVER wanted recognition for the things he did for others always behind the scenes. No one could give a hug like Joe. All us Bjorke cousins want to send a hug to all the family left behind, with a special one for Janny. He will be missed.... Kate Bjorke Baldwin, Battle Lake MN

Dave Wicklein

March 8, 2013

Saddened to hear of Joe's passing. I was fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time with him throughout high school. He was a real competitor, a great teammate, and most importantly a really good guy. So sorry for your loss.

Joan Pope

March 8, 2013

Liz, Janice and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joe will be missed. I have so many fun memories of him here in Wahpeton, at the lake, in NYC, in Seattle. He was such a big man, not just physically, but voice, laugh and heart. Rest in peace, Joe. You fought the good fight. Love to you all, Joan(Pfister) Pope

March 8, 2013

To Joe's Family:
Although we have never meet I was going through some of my old high school and early college photos. Low and behold there was Joe in many a photo. To great man who gave so much, especially to the kids. God's Speed and save me a place in the duck blind. My deepest sympathies to you all. Lorn Wolsky, Class of '72, Eagan, MN

March 7, 2013

To Joe's family, I am so sorry for your (our) loss. Joe was a good guy all around. He will be missed. Sincerely, Pam (Engstrom) Erlandson

March 7, 2013

Liz, Janis and family,
Our prayers are with you all. We will miss Joe, our dear friend. Joe had a hand in getting Rob and I together for a blind date! He was Rob's roommate at UND, and always took care of us when we came to Florida. We were touched when he brought a Florida football player on a visit to Bemidji State to see if it would be a good fit for him...such a kind man. Fondly, The Bollingers

Rich Loberg

March 7, 2013

Janis, so sorry to hear about Joe. My thoughts and prayers to you and Joe's family.

March 7, 2013

Joe will be greatly missed. His life touched many and his memory will live on through his great children, grandchild and in all of our hearts. xo cousin Sarah

amy Ostrom Ahlfs

March 7, 2013

We have great thoughts of Joe teaching us how to sail our tiny sailboat on West Battle Lake, taking us on Lake Washington with his giant sailboat, welcoming us to Seattle and inviting us to an awesome holiday party. Our parents and Joe's parents had many good times together. It would be a great world if we all had a tiny bit of Joe in each of us. The Ostroms from Wahpeton ND

Tim Scully

March 7, 2013

Joe was a great team mate at UND. His huge, genuine smile was quick to appear, and slow to diminish. He has left a great legacy, and many memories to carry on. My prayers and thoughts to Joe's family, and may his memory always be close to you all.

Amy Ostrom Ahlfs

March 7, 2013

We were blessed to have Joe teach us to sail, welcome us to Seattle, give us an amazing boat ride on Lake Washington, share an awesome holiday party with us; also our parents and his parents had many great times together. Imagine what the world would be like if we all had just a tiny bit of "Joe" in us.

The Ostroms from Wahpeton, ND

March 6, 2013

March 6,2013

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. We were classmates at Wahpeton. Joe had many friends, and was kind to everyone. Our parents were good friends, and Kathy Dosch enjoyed her visit with Joe when he returned to Wahpeton. He will be missed.

Gayle Dosch Thompson

James Marohl

March 6, 2013

Sorry to hear about Joe, I'm sure he is in a better place we just have to deal with not having him here in our lives.
I was a classmate in High School with him. What a great guy when I knew him and it sounds that he carried that trait thoughout his life.

March 6, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of the passng of Joe, we were in high school together. He was missed by all at the class reunion last summer in Wahpeton. May God send you all his healing comfort & peace. Take Care & God Bless Debbie (Lee) Seurer

Darrin & Sue Palumbo

March 6, 2013

We were so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was one of the good ones—always helping out the community or some good cause. Joe and Liz were our 1st babysitters on Marco some 10 years ago. Not for a fee, of course—they claimed they needed their baby fix and watched our daughter on many occasions to help us out. We will always be grateful for their kindness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Liz and the family.

Colette Blonigan

March 6, 2013

I am sorry to hear the news about Joe. I went to high school with Joe and he was a fun, kind person with a good heart. It was nice to read how much he had helped others and his pride in them and his family. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Lynn and Elaine Orr

March 6, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz, Katie and the rest of the family.

Anna Marie Schuler

March 6, 2013

Remembering Joe's family and friends during this difficult time, keeping you all in my prayers.

March 6, 2013

My sympathy to Joe's family. I am a classmate from Wahpeton High School. We missed him at the reunion last summer!
Loretta Meyer

Bruce Eckre

March 5, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Joe's family. I am so glad that I got to sit and talk with Joe when he was back in Wahpeton, ND for his Step-Mother's funeral. God bless the memory of Joe Hausauer.

Melissa Holcroft

March 5, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss Liz. My prayers are with you and your children during this very difficult time. Take care and God bless.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph Hausauer's name

Memorial Events
for Joseph Hausauer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Hausauer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more