Donald John Hauer, age 88, passed away on August 30, 2026, at Praha Village in New Prague, after a short battle with skin cancer.

Don was born on May 4, 1938, in Derrynane Township, Le Center, Minnesota, to John and Eleanore (Studnicka) Hauer. He was raised alongside his two siblings on the family Century Farm. Don attended St. John’s Parochial School in Union Hill and later New Prague High School.

While in high school, Don met his sweetheart, Rose Marie Bisek. The two were married on June 6, 1959, beginning a marriage that would span 67 years. Together, Don and Rosie raised their family and built a life centered around hard work, faith, and family.

Don farmed near Union Hill for 57 years. In addition to farming, he worked for 34 years as a carpenter with Mahowald Builders in Prior Lake. His work took him to many projects over the years, including helping build the Tippee Casino on the Mdewakanton Indian Reservation. A talented carpenter, Don also put his skills to work at home, constructing most of the buildings on the family farm and completely remodeling their home.

For all the things Don accomplished during his life, his greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He enjoyed playing just about any kind of card game and especially looked forward to games of Sheephead with friends at City Club Bar. Euchre and Hand and Foot were also favorites when family and friends gathered together.

After moving to New Prague in 2018, Don became a familiar sight around town on his yellow scooter, affectionately known as “The Banana.” He loved going to garage sales and especially auctions, which became one of his favorite pastimes.

Don held a particularly special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When they were young and came to visit, his mood would immediately brighten, and any troubles seemed to disappear.

Faith was an important part of Don’s life. He was a lifelong member of St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Heidelberg and sang in the church choir for 50 years. Never one to shy away from putting his carpentry skills to good use, Don volunteered his time completing carpentry and other repairs whenever the church needed them. He also served for several years as a leader of the New Creation Prayer Group and was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, where he held several offices throughout his years of membership.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Rosie; children, Daniel (Theresa) Hauer, Catherine (Ken) Weiers, and Dawn (Keith) Buszmann and Russ Hauer; sister, Sharon Roberts; grandchildren include Tina (Derek) Williams, Dana (Matt) Coffelt, Kevin (Alicia) Weiers, John (Amber) Weiers, Jenna (Alex) Busker, Jessica (Cole) Minnich, Jeremy (Hailie) Buszmann, and Tyler, Andrew, and Niya Hauer; three great-grandchildren, Alana and Kensley Weiers, and Crew Minnic; sister-in-law Judy Hauer

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanore Hauer; and brother, Robert.

A Catholic Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 Main St. E, New Prague, MN with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at St. Scholastica Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Scholastica Catholic Church.

The Hauer family would like to extend a special thank-you to all of Don’s caregivers, hospice, and the staff at Praha Village for the compassionate care they provided Don during his final days.