Ralph Hausser

Ralph Hausser passed away, at home peacefully with his family by his side, on February 28, 2023, at the age of 88, after a long heart-breaking period of physical and mental decline inflicted on him by Alzheimer’s. Ralph was born in Eldorado, Illinois on October 25, 1934, to Charles R and Lily Bell Hausser. Ralph was a man of strong character with a gentle soul. He was a hardworking, loving, devoted husband, father, boompa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was happiest spending time with his wife of 66 years Laura. Ralph graduated from Eldorado high school in 1952. Upon graduation, he volunteered for the draft and joined the army. Upon returning from the army, he stopped at the B&M restaurant in Eldorado which as he would say “turned into the best decision of his life,” to stop in and ask Laura Bell Brown for a date. Thus, beginning their great love story that spanned 66 years. After marrying his sweetie, they moved to Carbondale where Ralph attended Southern Illinois University, graduating in 1963. In August of 1963, they moved to Park Forest, Illinois where Ralph taught school at Rich East High School for 14 years. Ralph then became the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the district in1977 and retired on May 2, 1994. Upon retirement, Ralph and Laura built a home in Frankfort, Illinois, and began to travel having many great trips with wonderful family and friends along the way. Ralph became a member of Temple Baptist Church in 1963. Leading the singing and teaching Sunday school, bringing a song and a smile, and a lesson to many in the congregation. Ralph was proud of his children, but his favorite role was that of Boompa to his 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Ralph is survived by the love of his life, soulmate, and best friend Laura Bell (Brown) Hausser. He is also survived by his three children, Debora (Larrie) Kerestes and Carston (Pam) Hausser, and Valerie (Jim) Stupegia, and 8 grandchildren, Lauren (Eric)Sunkel, Ashley (Alan) Hable, Melissa Hausser, Emily (Bob) Bernotus, Nicholas, Lily-Grace, Zachary, and Ella Stupegia. 9 great-grandchildren; Aiden, Adalyn, Finn, Dean Sunkel, Ava, Aaron, Amelia Hable, Leia, and Samuel Bernotus. He is also survived by his brother, Ora Paul(Kay) Hausser. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles R. and Lily Bell Hausser and one brother Charles Wesley Hausser. Our Dad had high expectations for us, not in a material sense, but in matters of character. For Dad, it was never about the college you got into, the job title next to your name, or the amount of money you made. It was the kind of person you were and that you loved Jesus. Rest easy Dad, We love you, we miss you immensely. Funeral and interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, donations to Apex Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated.