William `Bill` Hauck
William `Bill` Hauck , Age 78
William "Bill" Fredrick Hauck passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and dedication.
Bill was born on October 15, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Erwin (Erv) and Fern Hauck. A graduate of Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, Bill continued his education at North Park College in Chicago, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart, Susanne Bauer, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage and raised a family together.
Later in life, Bill married Helen, his beloved companion and business partner, and they shared 34 years together before her passing in 2021.
A hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit, Bill took over the family business, Hauck Decorating, and ran it with passion and commitment for over 50 years before retiring in 2019. His leadership and dedication ensured the business thrived and left a lasting impact on the community.
Beyond his work, Bill embraced the adventures life had to offer. He loved kayaking the Peshtigo River, whitewater rafting with his children, and tending to his koi fishpond and vibrant gardens. A creative soul, he channeled his thoughts and dreams into writing novels and cherished road trips to Memphis and New Orleans, where he immersed himself in the soulful sounds of jazz. His weekends were often spent exploring Wisconsin’s supper clubs, savoring good food and company.
Bill was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. Nothing brought him more joy than watching a Bears vs. Packers game, which he considered the ultimate rivalry. Fittingly, his last game was the Bears’ victory over the Packers on the very day of his passing—a win that would have brought him immense pride and joy.
He is survived by his beloved children: Michael (Sarah) Hauck, David Hauck, Jeffrey (Laura) Hauck, Wendy (Jamie) Garetson, Kara (John) Dolezal, and Tara (Erik) Bjork. He was the proud grandfather of Bradlee Garetson, Chelsea (Matthew) George, Kiersten Fedie (Christopher), Joshua (Ellie) Hauck, Michaela Sebastiani, Katie Hauck, Taylor Williams, Isabel Hauck, McKenzie Hauck, Seth Sebastiani, David Hauck, Blake Hauck, and Isaac Hauck. Bill also leaves behind his cherished great-grandchildren: Jayce George, Reina Fedie, Piper Fedie, Lilyana George, and Quinlee Garetson.
Bill is also survived by his sister, Karen Swanson; his nephew, Kyle Swanson; and his niece, Shayna Swanson.
He is reunited in eternity with his parents, Erwin and Fern Hauck, his wife Helen, and his best friend Jacky, his beloved English friend.
Special thanks to the Baraboo Fire Department and Baraboo Police Department for their assistance and care with our father. Your kindness and professionalism are greatly appreciated by our family.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home, 401 Madison Avenue, Baraboo, WI 53913. The family will be accepting guests starting at 1:00 p.m.
May his Irish soul rest peacefully in the heavens he so richly deserves.
Condolences
Martha J Escalante January 08, 2025
None Hispanic or Latino , Illinois
I never knew him, but I wanted to send my sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Joan Oswald January 09, 2025
Friend Logan , AL
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Heidi Ostertag January 09, 2025
Friend of Wendy Lake in the Hills , Illinois
Our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time
Mary Huber January 09, 2025
Friend Minnetonka , Minnesota
Dear family of Bill, my deepest heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Bill. I had the privilege of knowing him and miss him dearly already.He is gone too suddenly, i wonder what he would think about this turn of events, what lesson, what poetic moment, what humor. Many times in writing his last book he wondered what work God would direct him to in the next life. With love and prayers. Mary
Mary Huber January 09, 2025
Friend Minnetonka , Minnesota
Dear Family of Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you. As a good friend of Bill I am shocked and already miss him very much. I wonder what he would say about this turn of events, what humor, what poetic moment, what wisdom? While writing his last book he wondered many times what work God would have him do in the next life. He was anxious to get on with it. My love, God bless you. Mary
Laura de la Torre January 11, 2025
Friend Chicago , Illinois
Met Bill at the Feast in the Wisconsin Dells this past October. Spent an evening with friends, good fellowship and food and deep discussions. He was an extremely interesting man.
shirley buckmaster January 11, 2025
friend waunakee , Wisconsin
Dear Hauck family It was lovely to meet so many of you that Bill fondly spoke of. He was always wishing that his health was better so that he had the stamina to travel more. He cherished the times that he could visit with you and "catch up on life". He was excited to have moments where he could still do art work to make someone happy. Bill truly did not like being alone. It was his delight to get to the Newport Towne Hall where he attended United Church of God services. Last fall he was able to attend our annual Church convention. One of the highlights for Bill was participating in the choir performances. (He reminisced about the times that he sang in the past under the direction of Galen Morrison-we miss him too.) John Barbush performed a musical family knight. Mr. Bill and I sat together. He was so full of joy to sing along with all the oldies that he knew. I have always loved a good voice, so to hear Bill put his heart and soul into the lyrics and melodies brought so much happiness to me as he shared his talent with me and those who were close enough to hear him sing. (I just wanted to let you all know that even with his struggles there were moments where he celebrated life.) Sending love and prayers your way ......................WHAT A GUY !!!!!!!!!!