Donald Hauer

Donald Richard Hauer, age 78 of Washington Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 24th. Born and raised in Dayton, he attended St. Agnes Prep School, and graduated from Chaminade High School in 1954. After earning a B.A. in Pre-Law from the University of Dayton in 1959, Don decided to forego law school, and take on a permanent role in the family business, Hauer Music, where he served as the firm's Vice President for many years. Don was an original University of Dayton Associate, where he watched his beloved Flyers from section 105. He married Junior Miss Runner-up Magda Wilson in 1968, and soon thereafter, the couple were blessed with three sons. During that time he founded Don Hauer & Co., an importing and wholesale distribution company. He also was a member of the Dayton Roadrunners Club, Saint Charles Parish, and was frequently involved with the boys' extra-curricular activities.
As Don wound down a wonderful career in the music industry, he kept busy doing what he loved, selling. He took on the role as a manufactures representative for several years, before deciding to retire from the music business in the early 2000's. He then worked in various sales positions for the Dayton Daily News, and served as an usher at UD basketball games, where he could keep a close eye on his Flyers. He was delighted with the recent resurgence of the Flyers and amongst his final wishes, he urges Coach Archie Miller to remain with UD. Don lived out his twilight years spending time with his family, most notably his five grandchildren, which were his pride and joy. As he bravely battled Parkinson's Disease, he always had a kind word and smile.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Michael and Ann (Servaites) Hauer, and his sister Marilyn (Hauer)Crotty. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Norma Hauer of Kettering; his children and their spouses Stephen and Melissa of Delaware, Ohio, Douglas and Jack Gilad of Boston, MA, and Frederick and Molly of Westerville, OH; five grandchildren, Stephen Jr., Robert, Megan, Maxwell, and Annabelle; a brother-in-law L. William Crotty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 7th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Kettering. Don will rest alongside family at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton. Visitation hours to take place 60 minutes prior to services at St. Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Don's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation2.php?pg=tribute


God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.