Esther Ann (Ricke) Hausman, cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 28, 2024 at the age of 98.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. The Celebrant will be Fr. Terry Roder. Con-Celebrant and Homilist will be Fr. Lynn Bruch. Music will be by Julie Sibbel and the St. Augustine Choir. Mass Servers will be Jacey Fuchs and Emma Branning. Lectors will be Courtney Schreck and Rhyem Wendl. Gift Bearers will be Esther’s great-grandchildren. Eucharistic Ministers will be Mark and Mary Schreck. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Esther’s Grandchildren: Holly Wendl, Kelly Riesberg, Nikki Boock, Cassie Bergeson, Caitlin Ehresman, Courtney Schreck, and Carly Tegels. Casket Bearers will be Jay Hausman, Mike Fuchs, Gary Wyatt, Jess Hausman, Connor Tegels, Ben Bergeson, and Jordan Ehresman. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Augustine Church in Halbur. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Esther’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Born near Breda, Iowa, on December 28, 1925, Esther was the daughter of George and Rose (Derner) Ricke.
Esther’s life was deeply rooted by spending her entire life living on a farm or acreage making memories with her family. She often recounted the joy of creating a little house in the grove and serving mud pies to her younger brothers, Richard and Ralph. Her early education was marked by unique experiences, including attending several elementary schools, sometimes as the only student in her class, and spending a week in Breda with relatives to prepare for her First Holy Communion. She graduated from Arcadia High School on June 3, 1943, where she made history as a member of the first girls’ basketball team her senior year.
Esther was united in marriage to Clarence Henry Hausman on June 28th, 1949 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Arcadia, Iowa. They built a life together on the Hausman family farm, a legacy that will be honored as a 152-year Heritage farm at the Iowa State Fair this August. The two of them met at a dance in Westside, Iowa where Clarence asked Esther to dance, and their dancing never stopped. Their love for dancing led them on memorable bus trips across the United States and a special trip to Europe, following one of their favorite orchestras through Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland.
Esther’s love and passion for flowers, particularly gladiolus, was a defining aspect of her life. For over 40 years, she beautified the altar and church of St. Augustine in Halbur with her stunning arrangements. Her love for flowers extended to creating beautiful bouquets and arrangements for numerous weddings, including those of her daughters and grandchildren. Even after her retirement from decorating the church, you can still find Esther’s window sills and outdoor planters full of flowers.
Above all, Esther took the greatest pride in her family. She was devoted to attending and supporting all their events, cherishing every milestone and celebration. Her family was her greatest joy, and she celebrated their achievements with endless love and pride.
Esther had a full and wonderful life and we were blessed to have her with us for 98 ½ wonderful years. Her strong commitment to her faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout her life. Our family finds comfort knowing she is now reunited with Clarence after 28 years, dancing once more.
Left to cherish Esther‘s memories are her children: Sheryl (Dale) Gust of Templeton, Ron (Lea Ann) Hausman of Halbur, Lori (Lyle) Tegels of Lake View, Cindy (Tim) Dobson of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and John (Sandy) Hausman of Gilbert, Arizona; along with 12 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Andy (Sally) Hausman of Arizona, and her dear friend Marilyn Eischeid of Halbur.
Esther is preceded in death by her husband Clarence in 1996; daughter Janice Jean; parents, George and Rose Ricke; father and mother-in-law, Peter and Margaret Hausman; son-in-law Leon Fuchs; brothers Richard and Ralph Ricke; and brother and sister-in-law’s Eugene Hausman, Dorothy Irlmeier, Mildred Grethen, Sylvia McCormick, Hilda Schulte, Sally Stickrod, Art Hausman, and Norma Schmidt.
