Ernest Hauser

Ernest W. Hauser, 89

Second generation native Oak Parker, died October 30, 2019 at his assisted living home in Oakbrook Terrace. Born in Oak Park, in May 1930, to Esther and Ernest A. Hauser, Bill, as he was known in those days, attended Hatch elementary school and OPRF high school. After graduation, Ernie attended the University of Illinois in Champaign as a member of the ROTC, following in his father’s footsteps by joining the Army after graduation. He completed Ranger School and Company Grade Officers Courses and served as Rifle Company Commander, Training Officer and Property Officer during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 having reached the rank of first lieutenant.

Ernie then moved back to Oak Park, started his career, got married to Pauline, and had two daughters.  While his professional career was as a personnel director for a number of Chicago companies, his passion was for judo. Active in the sport since his twenties, he competed both locally and nationally, reaching the level of fifth degree black belt in 1992. He taught judo for nearly four decades at the Oak Park YMCA, the Lattof YMCA and the Tohkon Judo Academy. He was also an active member of the Chicago Judo Black Belt Association, eventually retiring from the sport in 2006.

Ernie retired from his professional career in the mid-1990s, divorced and moved to Elmwood Park. Never far from his Oak Park roots, however, he could frequently be seen cycling all around town, participating in the Oak Park Township’s Senior Lunch program, and enjoying an active retirement alongside his longtime companion, Pam Schultz.

Ernie is survived by his daughters, Karen (John Hammetter) and Barb, Pam Schultz, his former wife, Pauline, and his great-niece, Susan Anderson of Phoenix. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Davidson, her husband Stirling, and their children Diana and Steven.

Arrangements were handled by the Heritage Funeral Home in Berwyn. No services will be held but a celebration of Ernie’s life will take place at a later date.

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