Robert Hausmann, Jr.

A mass of Christian burial for Robert Hausmann, Jr. will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon officiating. Hank Sunne is lector, and Ava and Emmie Hausmann are servers.

Music will be provided by the Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony’s church choirs, accompanied by Roberta Witt, organist. Greg and Kathy Hausmann are in charge of registration.

Casket bearers are Ryan Lustgraaf, Grant Sunne, Blake Sunne, Taylor Hausmann, Cooper Hausmann, Tyler Vogt, Trent Vogt, Tyson Vogt, and Carson Hausmann. Honorary casket bearers are all of his relatives and friends, and the Bonesteel Fire and Ambulance departments.

Robert Joseph “Bob” Hausmann was born in Gregory, SD, on November 20, 1958,to Robert E. and Coreen (Jons) Hausmann.

Bob was raised on a farm north of Bonesteel. It was evident early on that Bob had farming in his blood, as he learned the trade from his dad, Bob Sr. From sowing the seeds of the upcoming year’s crops with hopeful anticipation to checking cows or fixing fence with his dad and brothers, Bob was completely immersed in the farming life.

Bob attended Bonesteel elementary and high school, graduating from high school in 1977. After high school, Bob worked throughout the community. He partnered with Mel Fuhrer as a janitor at the school, refined his carpentry skills with Greg and Don Hausmann, and then worked for the South Dakota Department of Roads maintenance crew.

Bob answered the call as an educator, shaping young minds as the industrial arts instructor at Bonesteel-Fairfax and South Central schools. Countless young men and women learned marketable skills under the watchful eye of Mr. Hausmann, otherwise known as “Bob the Builder.” Bob also imparted his knowledge on the football team, helping as an assistant coach.

He married Sara Waggoner on August 2, 1997. Sara helped Bob find his adventurous spirit, coaxing him to travel throughout the United States and even to Mexico for a couple of trips together and with siblings. They enjoyed hours of camping and boating, and just being together and with the ones they love. Bob’s pride and joy was his daughter, Brittany. He loved her, and that was never more evident than at her wedding this summer, where he was able to walk her down the aisle and share a special dance. Bob was also “Papa” to several step-grandchildren, loving them as his own. He was always up for rides on the four-wheeler or pontoon.

When someone would ask Bob to help with an event or a project or they just found themselves in a pinch, Bob’s answer was always yes. He served on the Knights of Columbus, Bonesteel Fire and Ambulance, Bonesteel Community Club, and Immaculate Conception Parish Council, church lector, and eucharistic minister. He also followed in his dad’s footsteps by announcing at football games and track meets. Bob was elected Gregory County Commissioner in 2016 and continued until his passing.

He passed away on August 25, 2023, at the age of 64 years. Bob is survived by his wife Sara; daughter Brittany (Brady) Sudbeck of Spearfish, SD; step-daughter Justina Burrier of New Braunfels, TX; step-son Ryan Lustgraaf of Omaha, NE; sisters Shari (Hank) Sunne of Brandon, SD, Sue (Tony) Vogt of Bonesteel, SD; brothers Scott (Mary Jo) Hausmann of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jon (Angie) Hausmann of Norfolk, NE; mother Coreen Hausmann of Bonesteel, SD; grandchildren RJ, Greenlee, Jonah, Dominic, Siena, and Genevieve; special friends Ryan, Jenny, Haley, Kenny, and Delaney Baas; and many nephews and nieces.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert E. Hausmann; niece Tatum Hopper; and mother-in-law Ramona Waggoner.