Ronald Hauber

Ronald Hauber, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 26, 2025 from complications due to pancreatic cancer. He was 83 years old.

Ron was born on September 11, 1941, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Russ and Cam Hauber. He grew up in Huron, South Dakota, alongside his brother Al, and attended Saint Teresa's School and Huron High School. He later attended the University of South Dakota, where he was on the debate team and a brother of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, graduating in 1963. Ron later went on to earn two master's degrees, one from the University of South Dakota and another from the University of New Mexico.

Ron began his career in 1964 with the Atomic Energy Commission, working at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, 27 miles from his home on the Near North Side of Chicago. Those 27 miles proved to be important, as it was in a carpool to Argonne that he met the love of his life, Jan. They fell in love over numerous 27-mile drives, often having so much fun talking that Ron would miss the exit.

Ron and Jan married on August 23, 1969, in Chicago. They settled in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 1971, where they raised their three children - Emily, Steve, and Dan - and created a warm, loving home for more than 50 years. Ron was an engaged and devoted father, coaching youth sports, attending countless games and school events, and leading summer trips back to the Midwest to visit his parents in Huron, South Dakota, and to see Jan's parents in Chicago and later in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.

After Argonne, Ron's work took him to Washington, DC, where he contributed to Project Plowshare, an effort to explore peaceful applications for nuclear technology. In 1975, Ron joined the newly established Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he spent the remainder of his career working in International Programs. His work focused on public safety and the responsible use of nuclear energy, and required frequent international travel, with numerous trips abroad to Vienna and Paris. After a distinguished career, Ron retired in 2002.

Retirement brought Ron great joy and adventure, with more time for golf and for travel. He and Jan traveled the world, visiting destinations such as Turkey and South Africa, along with a new yearly tradition of visiting his brother Al and sister-in-law Paula in Florida, which they did 13 years in a row. He also spent lots of time with his eight grandchildren in Maryland, Virginia, and Connecticut. To them he was their beloved Babo —the name didn't really mean anything, but it fit him well. After almost 50 years in Gaithersburg, Ron and Jan moved in 2020 to Ingleside at King Farm, a senior community in Rockville.

Ron was known for his sharp mind, his love of a good story, his ability to solve any crossword puzzle, and for his kind and compassionate outlook on life. He enjoyed time with family, drinking a beer while watching Redskins and Capitals and college basketball games, and reading a good book. He was truly a man who cared about others, and who lived a life of decency, honesty, and kindness. He was a member of St. Martin's Church and later of Ascension Church, both in Gaithersburg, and an active member of the Montgomery Village Rotary Club.

Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan; his children Emily Willard (Mike) of Monrovia, MD, Steve Hauber (Melissa) of Vienna, VA, and Dan Hauber (Sarah) of Westport, CT; his brother Al and wife Paula; and his eight grandchildren: Michaela Hauber, Sophie Hauber, Casey Willard, Zack Willard, Henry Hauber, Louisa Hauber, Buzz Hauber, and Betsy Hauber; as well as a lifetime of friends and extended family who will forever treasure his memory.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Ascension, 205 S Summit Ave in Gaithersburg. Memorial donations may be made to The Church of the Ascension or to the American Cancer Society.

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