Colleen M. Hauser

colleen hauser

Colleen Mary Bushaw Hauser, 100, Fargo N.D., passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Fargo Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Colleen’s journey ended one day after visiting with her four beloved children in the VA hospital, where she had spent her last seven months under their compassionate care. She had lived independently in her north Fargo home until that point, following the passing of her husband, Robert Lind Hauser Sr. in 2008.

Colleen was born on September 12, 1924, in Grand Forks, N.D. Her father was Owen Henry Bushaw and Mother was Lillian Viola Brinton. She grew up in Grand Forks near Riverside Park with her nine brothers and sisters. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School through 8th grade and then attended Central High School, graduating in 1942.

In November 1944, fulfilling her obligation to her country during World War 2, she enlisted in WAVES, the U.S. Navy’s corps of female members. She was honorably discharged in August 1945. Colleen also attended business school. The majority of her life was dedicated to being a homemaker, a caring and ever-present Mother, eventually becoming the Matriarch of a large family of children and grandchildren.

She married Robert Lind Hauser Sr. on February 27, 1945 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks. They had five children. The couple lived in Grand Forks until 1973 when they moved to Fargo. Robert was a career railroad man, working as an engineer for Great Northern Pacific.

Grandma Hauser was a towering presence for everyone in the family, commanding respect with her grace and wisdom. Visits to see her and Grandpa Hauser at their north Fargo home were always enjoyable and shaped all of us as we grew up. Whether it was for a holiday, birthday, or showing them our report cards from school for their approval. Usually, if we were lucky, the visits ended with ice cream and a few games of 7up or Hearts. Grandma was always an extremely generous and giving person.

As Colleen grew older, she was unafraid to say what was on her mind and ask probing questions of all of her guests, friends or family. She was a shrewd observer of people and willing to talk about anything. She listened and didn’t judge, always with a kind and compassionate heart. Her influence on many of us as a calm, caring confidant and source of wisdom and advice cannot be overstated.

Colleen lived, loved and experienced much in her 100 years. She was still learning every day, being an avid reader and closely following current events. She was also a fantastic Bridge player and enjoyed regularly playing with her friends. Her knitting skills were unmatched. Everyone in the family is grateful to own at least a few of her beautiful afghans.

Age did slow her down physically, but it didn’t diminish her natural beauty. We feel honored, blessed and privileged to have had, held and loved her.

Colleen is survived by three daughters, Cynthia (Frank) Schulte of Houston, TX, Cheryl (Trygve) Olson of Moorhead, MN, Lizbeth (Bryan) Hughes of Fargo, and one son, Jeffery Hauser of Grand Forks, N.D. She is also survived by 11 loving grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and son, Robert Hauser, Jr., along with all of her siblings.

Colleen has chosen to be cremated. A memorial service will be held in May at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, N.D.

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  1. Colleen was a dear friend and such a great neighbor. She always had time to chat and ask about our kids and grandkids. Sometimes, we would take garden produce over to her house. And she was so delighted. May all people who live to be a hundred have such a kind and wonderful life as Colleen. She will be missed by so many of us. Enjoy the hereafter, dear friend and great neighbor.

  2. Mrs.Hauser was a mother to more than her 5 children. She was a mother to me and many other neighborhood children. Her home was always open. The angels are singing with joy right now to have such a wonderful person in their midst.

  3. I called Bob & Colleen my city Grandparents when we live next door. She was a wonderful woman. Rest in Peace Colleen.

  4. Colleen was a wise woman, and always willing to share her ideas. So grateful she was a part of my life. Thank you for your service!!!

  5. My Aunt Colleen was also a world traveler. She and Uncle Bob had a refrigerator magnet for most of the places they visited.
    It was always a wild time when our families got together and Aunt Colleen was a calming and kind voice.
    Rest in Peace, Colleen

  6. We have fond memories of visiting Aunt Colleen and Uncle Bob, on trips from Minneapolis to Oregon. We’d arrive with a car full of children, tired and hungry. They welcomed us, fed us, showed the children the hole in the fence leading to more fun and put us up for the night. They shared love, the wisdom of experience and travel stories. Rest in peace, Aunt Colleen!


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