Joseph Hauer

Joseph M Hauer passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born in Hague, North Dakota on March 19, 1940. He lived a long and productive life and was loved by many.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 22, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck.

A rosary/vigil will be held at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, June 21, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will begin greeting guests at 5:00 PM.

Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Joe grew up on the family farm in Hague, ND. His two older sisters, Luella and Bernice, were born before and during the great depression. Joe and his younger brothers, Raymond Jr. and James, were born after the depression. Joe learned the value of hard work at a very young age while helping out on the farm.

His grandfather, Joseph, started the family farm about 1900 after immigrating from Odessa, Russia. His father, Raymond Hauer, married Katherine Lipp (Katie), and they ran the family farm until 1968. Raymond Hauer was also the commissioner of Emmons County. Katie was a great cook and always had tasty treats like kuchen and caramel rolls that the families always enjoyed during the many family weekend visits to the farm in Hague and Linton.

Joe graduated from Hague High School in 1958 and left home to serve two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in France. After he returned home Joe married Florence Grinsteiner on June 1, 1961, at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Strasburg. Together they had four children. Pam and Scott were born in Bismarck. Jim was born in California, where Joe and the family moved to chase his dreams. Florence wanted to return home, so in late 1965 the family moved back to Bismarck, where Joe founded United Printing, which is still owned by the family today. Craig was born in 1970 and the family was complete.

Gathering as a family was important to Joe. He reveled in getting everyone together to debate important topics and share opinions. Joe frequently recommended interesting books and challenged family members to read them and bring their observations to future get togethers. Joe loved family time at the lake, golf games with his friends and family and many hours of playing cards with his buddy, Tom.

These times together also gave Joe the opportunity to encourage his children to develop their passion and interests. With Joe’s encouragement and support, his children became entrepreneurs and business owners. Family gatherings, like pizza night with cousins, grandchildren and lots of extended family helped build strong family bonds that have lasted to this day.

Joe was involved in many community activities throughout his life that positivity impacted many. He had lots of friends, always made time for people, wished success on all and wanted to see everyone do well. He was a mentor to his children, grandchildren and many others. His accomplishments were numerous. In addition to starting businesses and investing in real estate, he served his community well on numerous boards and committees including the University of Mary, St. Alexius Hospital, American Bank Center (Bravera Bank), Dakota REIT, Medora Foundation and many other community organizations. Joe was an arts patron and art collector who was appointed by President Bill Clinton to advisory committees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Preforming arts in Washington D.C.

Joe loved to travel and visited many parts of the United States, Canada, Europe and other far away places, often with family and friends. In 2010, in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, Joe and Florence renewed their vows in a private ceremony officiated by Msgr. Shea at the Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

He loved Arizona, where he initially went for vacation and later purchased a home in Scottsdale. By the end of the 1980’s, all of his children were living Arizona, building their lives and running businesses. Scottsdale was his winter home, not his retirement home, because he never really retired.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Florence; sister, Bernice Mitzel; brother, Jim; children, Pam (Duwayne), Scott (Lisa), James (Nicole), and Craig (Jamie); 10 grandchildren, Michael, Katie, Ashley, Kelly, Austin, Dylan, Abby, Alec, Lucas and Danielle; and four great-grandchildren, Clementine, Mabel, Willa Jean, Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to one of Joe's favorite charities:  Joe Hauer Memorial- University of Mary Mission Advancement 7500 University Dr Bismarck ND 58504