Obituary for Judy Marie Hauser

February 27, 1958 – May 12, 2026

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Judy Hauser, who left this world on May 12, 2026, at the age of 68. Judy lived a life filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. To know Judy was to know an individual of exceptional character, a woman whose entire approach to life and work was defined by her deeply kind and compassionate nature.

Above all else, Judy loved her family deeply. She leaves behind her beloved son, James; cherished granddaughter, Liberty; her brothers, Dennis Hauser and Alan Hauser (Candy); Alan’s children: Tracey (John) Ball and children, Cody, Ian, Trevor, and Haley; Travis (Darcy) Hauser and children, Brooke and Ethan; Tammy (Carl) Dahl and children, Liam, Beau, and Olivia; Dustin (Jessie) Hauser and children, Nalah, Kyler, Jaelynn, and Rylee. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Lila Hauser and her brother, Jim Hauser. Judy will be dearly missed by her relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched through the years.

There is something between birth and death. It’s called life. Judy packed a whole lot of life into her 68 years, and right in the middle of that life, right in the center of her world, was her son, Jim. Judy was proud of Jim and the man he has become. All could see how much Jim loved his mother.

Then Liberty entered Judy’s world. Jim described Liberty as being the center of Judy’s world, she loved Liberty above all else, being a grandma came first. Judy enjoyed attending Liberty’s school and sporting events with Jim and simply spending time with Liberty.

A proud graduate of Caledonia High School Class of 1976, Judy was known for her fiery hair and fiery personality, when Judy arrived you knew the party had just started! Judy was the life of every party, always laughing in her genuine and unique way that was so infectious. She was a true friend to so many and we were blessed to have her in our lives.

During her younger years Judy played softball for the Ben Franklin softball team as well as attending countless games of men’s softball, especially Little Miami’s softball games. Judy enjoyed playing cards, with friend groups, with classmates at the Caledonia Nursing Home, at tournaments and at Elsies. Judy was the driving force behind the weekly Wednesday night poker games at Elsie’s.

Judy was employed with Sno Pac Foods during high school. She was a very good worker, fun to work with and a great friend. Upon her high school graduation Judy immediately began working with her mother and her best friend/cousin Roxy at The Garment Company in La Crosse. Judy then spent over 20 years employed at Rush Products in Rushford. Judy then moved into her career working with individuals with disabilities, first at ABLE then with ICAN, her current employer. Judy loved working for ICAN and every individual she worked with held a special place in her heart. Judy wished she had started her career as a care giver much earlier in her life.

Judy possessed an unmatchable special gift for her job, particularly in her relationships with her clients. She saw the unique light in every person she met and had an amazing ability to make everyone feel cherished, accepted and understood. Her boundless patience, coupled with her fun-loving spirit, created a truly vibrant atmosphere wherever she went.

Judy’s radiant warmth, her dedication, and the sheer number of lives she touched are an incredible legacy. She was a rare and beautiful soul whose memory will forever inspire us to be kinder and more giving. Though our grief is immense, we find comfort in knowing her bright spirit remains an undeniable part of the ICAN community. We will continue to cherish her memory and hold her in our hearts forever.

Judy had a true love for life and never passed up a chance for fun! Whether she was gathered around a card table paying cribbage, trying her luck gambling or sharing stories and laughter with family and friends, Judy brought joy wherever she went. Known affectionately by many as “The Gambler” she had a spirited personality and a sense of humor that could light up any room.

Judy’s life was not easy but she was not a complainer. She went through life with a smile on her face and joy in her heart.

Judy’s laughter, warmth and love of life will never be forgotten. Though her family and friends mourn her loss, they will forever hold close the memories, smiles and stories she leaves behind.

She will be missed more than words can say.

A memorial service will be at 12 noon, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia. Pastor Kari Charboneau will officiate. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston, Minn. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Following the service, a celebration of life will be held from 1:30 p.m., until 4:00 p.m., at Elsie's, 220 E. Main St., Caledonia.

Online condolences may be offered at this website.