Don Hausmann

A celebration of life for Don Hausmann was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church in Bonesteel, SD. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Bonesteel with Clausen Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Donald Joseph Hausmann was born Aug. 30, 1927, to Joseph and Anna (Sondgeroth) Hausmann on their family farm north of Bonesteel, SD. He was one among 16 children, three of whom would sing with him in the Hausmann Brothers Quartet, two of whom became nuns, seven of whom all returned safely from war, and all of whom helped to grow the rich and robust Hausmann family lineage.

Don received his education in Bonesteel, helped on his family farm during his young years, and in 1951 served as Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and later received two Purple Hearts for his gallantry.

While overseas, Don received over 300 letters from his darling, Berniece Rose Pistulka, whom he married on July 5, 1952, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, SD. They were married for 30 years and raised six children, first in a two bedroom rented home in Bonesteel, and then on the corner of Garrison Street and First Avenue. Berniece preceded Don in death in 1982.

In the summer of 1984, Don married Leona (Opbroek) Pistulka, and they were married until her death in 2008.

In 1954, Don founded Hausmann Construction and worked alongside his son Greg for 30 years before retirement. Don was patient, meticulous to detail, and a humble leader in his craft.

“This is going to be here long after I’m gone,” he would say while spending hours perfecting his stonework. “I want it to be done right, so people can enjoy it for years to come.”

In 2019, Don moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and became a member of the Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community, where he charmed staff and many new friends over lunch, walks, and games of pool.

Even in his later years, Don was a sharp storyteller, witty and spry as ever as a lifelong learner. There are still notes in the margins of his Bible and cookbooks, 50 years’ worth of subscriptions to National Geographic magazine, and always a book at the table. He was drawn to biographies, photo books, and never missed the daily newspaper. His curiosity kept him young.

Don Hausmann, of Bonesteel, SD, the last member of the Joseph Hausmann family, died at age 97 on April 6, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

He is survived by his six children: Sue Weddle, Ruth Hausmann, Steve Hausmann, Greg (Kathy) Hausmann, Laurie Parr, and Julie (Curt) Puetz; eight grandchildren: Angela (Bobby) George, Amanda (Derek) Zeisler, Ashley (Nick) Rehder, Vanessa (Stephen) Plucker, Kim (Blake) Doten, Emily Puetz, Tyler (Paige) Parr, Trevor (fiancée Marina) Puetz; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna; his wife, Berniece; his second wife Leona; his brothers Ed, Bill, Ray, Len, Joe, Harry, Bob, and infant James; and his sisters Alma, Margaret, Kay, Martha (Sr. David), Marie, Helen (Sr. Daniel) and Jeanie.