Kenneth Joseph Hauck, 83, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on September 19, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and so much more.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Golva, with Fr. Jarad Wolf presiding. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Golva, followed by a Rosary and Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ron Zachmann as presider. Visitation will continue at the church one hour before Mass on Saturday. The family invites all who knew and loved him to attend and share their favorite memories of him.
Kenneth was born on October 28, 1942 in Richardton, North Dakota. As one of five sons born to Nicholas and Katherina Hauck, Kenny spent his days working the farm on his horse and helping do mechanic work in his dad’s shop. As a child, he attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Assumption Abbey High School in Richardton, and he remained a devout Catholic his whole life.
On December 2, 1967, Kenny married the love of his life, Deborah Jean Schmidt. Over their nearly sixty years together, they raised eight children, worked tirelessly at farming and ranching, and owned the iconic Golva Custom Meats. Everyone who knew Kenny knew his joyful smile and irrepressible sense of humor. He delighted in sharing stories of tormenting his brothers growing up, sneaking in a surprise slap on the leg when you weren’t looking, and singing along to his favorite country songs. There was nothing he loved more than a brand new gadget to try out, a cup of coffee with a group of friends, and yelling, “Dammit, Debby!” up the stairs whenever he thought Mom was taking too long to get ready. When the deck of Pinochle cards came out, everyone knew things were about to get loud. Kenny was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone who needed it, and will be dearly missed.
Kenny is preceded in death by baby daughter, Jennifer; parents, Nicholas and Katherina Hauck; in-laws, Joe and Valeria Schmidt; two brothers, John and Leonard Hauck; and in-laws, Tonah Hauck, Delphine (Melvin) Vrana, Harvey Schmidt, Robert Schmidt, Donald (Bernice) Schmidt, Denise Snyder, and Gene Hondl.
He is survived by countless friends and family, including his wife, Deborah; children, Kelly Hauck, Nikki Hauck, Travis (Shelly) Hauck, Jerome Hauck, Amy (Anthony) Nelson, Casey (Mary) Hauck, Chad Hauck, and LeeAnn (Lance) Monilaws; 21 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; siblings, Denny (Sylvia) Hauck, and Ray (MaryAnn) Hauck; and in-laws, Myrna Hauck, Cynthia Hauck, Arlene Hondl, Renee (Richard) Veitch, Aggie Schmidt, Carol Schmidt, and Duke Snyder.
