George Edmond Hauk was born November 13, 1924, in Pedro, South Dakota, the son of Frank and Joy (Keve) Hauk. He was raised near Grindstone and attended Lincoln Elementary School just west of his home. He graduated from Philip High School in 1942 and worked on his parents’ place.
George married Peggy Clark June 3, 1950 and they made their home of 60 years near Grindstone where George was raised. Those 60 years were spent loving each other and pestering the heck out of each other.
A life-long lover of the land and an ardent conservationist, he took great pride in practicing soil and moisture conservation. He won the G.S.D.A. award for his efforts. In addition, he was one of the first in the area to fence his dams and encourage the Greater Canadian Geese restoration program. Nothing but his boys made him happier than watching the geese fly in.
In 1946 he took the train to Ponca City, OK where Piper Cubs were manufactured, and then he flew his own plane home. George was a member of the FHA Board and served on the School Board at the time Haakon County consolidated its schools. He was a founding member and Trustee of the National Mutual Benefit Branch 85. George was also a 50 year member of the Masons and Past Grand Master of the Crescent Lodge of Wall.
He spent his life being a wonderful father to his four sons: David, Doug, Dan, and Duane. Always patient, he was a teacher and mentor to his nieces and nephews and the neighborhood children as well as his children and grandchildren. Many children learned to drive, bale, mow and hunt and fish at his kind and friendly direction. His ability to do carpentry, plumbing, lay block and work with electricity made him a handy man to have on any project.
George’s hobbies included fishing, working on projects in the shop, and watching his children and grandchildren play ball.
Survivors include his wife Peggy; his children: David Hauk of Miles City, MT, Doug (Fay) Hauk of Philip, Dan (Cindy) Hauk of Wall, and Duane (J’Nai) Hauk of Quinn. He is also survived by these grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Mike (Tracy) Hauk and children Jaxon and Jhett; Lisa (J.D.) Wendt and their children Jaelyn and Macey; Tyler Hauk, Brennan Hauk, and Rachelle Hauk (Casey Elshere) and their daughter Ashlynn; Amy (Tim) Pyle and Dana (Micheal) Luedeman and their daughter MiKaylee Joy; and Allen and Jordan Hauk; his siblings: Jean Burns (Howard Pihlaja) of Philip, Max and Nancy Hauk of Wall, and Mary Joy Hauk of Ft. Collins, CO; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Joy.
Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services on Thursday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 23, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Pat Linger officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, December 23, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Pat Linger
MUSIC
Paige Cordes - Vocalist
“How Great Thou Art”
“Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Marvin Coleman - Bill Thorson
Herb Sieler - Rod Knutson
PALLBEARERS
Tyler Hauk - Brennan Hauk - Lisa Wendt
Michael Hauk - Amy Pyle - Rachelle Hauk
Dana Luedeman - Allen Hauk - Jordan Hauk
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
So saddened to see that George has passed away. I always loved visiting with George and he and I always talked about about calling back and forth when the boys were in school. He was always so pleasant and never angry to have me call and check on them. My prayers are will all of you.
~ Merlin & Mary Jane Doyle
Wall, SD (12/18/2010)
I am so sorry for your loss. George was one of my favorite older generation men to visit with, we had many, many good visits at all kinds of sporting events over the years! He so loved watching his grandkids in whatever they were doing. His presence will be missed by many. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all through this difficult time. God Bless you all as you take this journey. Rest in Peace George.
With sincere wympathy,
Deb & Kieth Smith and family
~ Deb Smith
Philip, SD (12/18/2010)
My heart was saddened to hear that George has left this earth because I know how much everyone will miss him. He was one of a kind. My prayers go out to all of you as you mourn.
~ Kara (Gittings) Moriarty
Anchorage, AK (12/18/2010)
To all the Hauk family~
Our deepest sympathies to all of you in the loss of your loved one...we will be thinking of you in the days and weeks ahead.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill and Boys
Milesville, SD (12/18/2010)
My Deepest Sympathys to all of Georges family. He will be greatly missed by all. You will be in my prayers.
~ Pam Dale
23005 SD Hwy 73 Philip SD (12/18/2010)
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
~ Brock & Brittany Smith
Philip (12/18/2010)
So sorry for your loss~ prayers are with you.
~ Lonnie Arneson & Teri Ann
Elm Springs, SD (12/18/2010)
Deepest sympathy is extended to the Hauk family. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (12/18/2010)
Deepest sympathy to the Hauk family. Greg and I have many fond memories of good times with your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
~ Lori Shearer
Wall, SD (12/18/2010)
May God bless and watch over you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Mandie Menzel
Dupree, SD (12/18/2010)
My prayers are with you all in the loss of your loved one.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis, TN (12/18/2010)
To all the Hauk Family, we extend our loving thoughts and prayers toward you. May God provide you with Comfort and Peace to help you through this painful time. Please let us know if there's anything we can help you with. Our Love, Mike & Shar
~ Mike & Shar Moses
Philip (12/18/2010)
We are so sorry for your loss. And best wishes to your family.
~ George Paul Michael Family
Wall South Dakota (12/18/2010)
Dave and all the Hauk Family, we are sorry to hear about your loss. Please know we are thinking of you all and will lift you up in prayer. I know you know who your Comforter is and I know you will feel His Presence to comfort, guide and give grace throgh this difficult time. God Bless, Cliff and Chris
~ Cliff and Chris Crago
Belle Fourche, SD (12/18/2010)
I remember George from my days in Philip. He was easy to chat with. Another cowboy joining those 'riders in the sky.' May God bless you during this difficult time.
~ Mark Ford
St. Cloud, MN (12/18/2010)
We are sorry to hear about George. I always remember that George would give the folks a goose for New Years for alot of years for the geese Dad gave him to start his flock. To entire Hauk family you have our prayers at this difficult time. Tom and Kamie Carmichael
~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael
229 Bert St. Delta, Co. 81416 (12/18/2010)
Dear Friends,we have so many great memories of fun times with all of you and are so thankful you were our close neighbors for all these years. When we had a problem we just called and you were there. George was there so fast when I called for help with my Mom on one of her last trips to the hospital. We will never forget those times and memories. George was such a tease and so fun to be around yet he was a rock when you needed support. Bless you all, Love and Prayers to you all as you struggle and move forward.
~ Gary and Julie Nixon
22401 Deadman Creek Road, Philip, SD (12/18/2010)
I have many great memories of George during my time spent out at the Hauk Ranch. Your whole family has been so good to me over the years. May God bless you all during this most difficult time.
~ Jody Gittings
Platte, SD (12/18/2010)
George's entire family. Sorry for your loss, our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please don't hesitate to call us if you need anything.
~ Kevin & Jan Wenzel
Quinn, SD (12/18/2010)
Dear Hauk family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all with George's passing. We never spoke with him and Peggy without laughing together...that's such a rarity, a man that can continuously brings joy and laughter.
May you find comfort in each other, friends, and a loving Lord that grieves with you.
God bless you all.
~ Rocky and Rebecca Williams
Philip (12/18/2010)
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hauk family as they mourn their loss.
~ Barry and Leta Pickner
Pierre, SD (12/18/2010)
I noticed the picture change and love it! It reminds me of George sitting at a fish fry with my parents and the crew! What a great man and how he loved watching those grandkids play ball! Cherish the memories!
~ Shelia Trask
Wasta SD (12/18/2010)
With deepest sympathy to your family
~ Irv & Pat Morford
Philip SD (12/18/2010)
George went all through school with my Dad,Doc Millstead. Upon Doc's passing, George called me and insisted that I put in the obituary that Doc was always thinking up schemes and getting others to carry them out but everybody always followed Doc because he'd make it sound like fun. I did put it in the obituary and am always touched by these long held South Dakota memories and friendships. Thank you George!
~ Marsha Millstead
Irvine (12/18/2010)
Doug, Fay and family,
I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
~ Kayla & Eric Bastian
Pierre (12/18/2010)
Thinking of you all these last few days and praying God's strength to help you through this time. Oh! What memories of my childhood riding horse back to school through the yard and seeing George out there to greet me. What good times we had as neighbors sledding on the hill and George and Peggy always providing plenty of milk for the hot cocoa on the bomb fire. Knowing your memories are many hold them tight and may God bless you all,
~ Jeanni Gossard
16500 Red Top Rd, New Underwood, SD (12/18/2010)
Our deepest sympathy to the Hauk family. George was such a great guy; he always had time to visit, no matter where we were or what was going on, he'd take time to chat. He was so sincere.
~ Jolene & Don Haynes
Philip (12/18/2010)
I was very sad to hear of George's passing. I got to know him pretty well during the softball season and we became friends. I loved his sense of humor and will never forget his telling me that my old softball glove was illegal because I used a piece of baling wire to hold the pocket in place. He said he was going to have to turn me in. He will be missed by many people.
~ Matt Schofield
Philip, SD (12/18/2010)
Peggy and family, our sympathy in your loss. Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. Your memories will see you through this time of loss. George was quite a pilot and salesman in his day, now he is flying unhampered and free of pain.
~ Marsha & Bill Sumpter
Kadoka (12/18/2010)
PEGGY & FAMILY,
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS GEORGE WAS A GREAT MAN THAT LIVED A GOOD PRODUCTIVE LIFE.
IT WAS GOOD LUCK THAT MY SON DARREL & I RETURNING FROM PHESANT HUNTING EAST RIVER FOUND GEO & PEG HOME LAST WEEK. WHEN A FELLER MOVES OUT OF STATE YOU LOOSE A LOT, MISSING FAMILY IS BIG. BOYS TAKE CARE OF MOM SHE SURE DID A GOOD JOB TAKING CARE OF DAD.
YOUR WEST COST FAMILY.GENE & MARY HAUK (SHAWN) MIKE & MARY HAUK
(KAYLE, KELLY ROSE, DANNIELIA) KATHY WILSON (WADE) DARREL & JILL HAUK (CRISTA, TRAVIS,& SHARIDEN) & CAROL SAYS HELLO
~ EUGENE R. HAUK
11664 BELLFLOWER BLVD 90241 (12/18/2010)
We are so sorry for your loss. George was a very special person and many people are better, kinder people because they knew George.
~ Donald & Joyce Jobgen
24800 Sage Creek Road Scenic,SD 57780 (12/18/2010)
So sorry we can't be there with you. You are all so very special to me. Remeber all the Good times!! Glad we were able to see most of you this summer! Love and Prayers
Shari, Denny, John and Family
~ Shari Dodge
Rapid City (12/18/2010)
So sorry to hear of George's passing. I always enoyed George & Peggy when they would stop at the hardware store . He was a great person and will be missed . Take care.
~ Susan & Jack Heinz
Philip (12/18/2010)
I'm so sorry I can't make it for the service! We're thinking about all of you and wishing you strength and comfort. I'm so grateful we had a chance to see George this summer, but also sad it was so short. He was one of a kind, and I always loved his sense of humor. George was a very special man who helped raise a very special family. I miss you all and hope we can all get together soon.
Take care,
John, Devon, Lauryn and Jake
~ John & Devon
Denver, CO (12/18/2010)
Peggy & Family
The weather and no travel advisory are going to prevent myself, my father, Frank and my little brother, Frankie from attending George's funeral service this morning. Wanted to pass on our sympathy to all of you. George was a special person and I have such fond memories of growing up and spending time down at the farm. Our prayers are with you.
~ Bob Hauk
5716 Sunburst Dr. Rapid City, SD (12/18/2010)
Peggy & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. My father, Frank, my younger brother, Frankie, & myself will not be able to attend George's funeral service because of the weather. George was a special person and I have such fond memories spending time on the farm while growning up. We want to express our deepest sympathy and our prayers are with all of you.
Bob & Peggy Hauk
~ Bob Hauk
Rapid City (12/18/2010)