Our precious mother, wife and sister, Patricia “Patty” Ann Hausmann, 68, of Kalispell, passed away on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, from complications of Alzheimer’s.
She was born to Robert Goerger and Marcella Dirkes Goerger (deceased) on May 10, 1949, in Great Falls. With her welcoming smile, energetic laugh, and caring nature, Patty was a source of joy for all who knew her and beloved by almost everyone she encountered. Patty spent her childhood in Great Falls where she attended Charles M. Russell High School, graduated from Great Falls College - Montana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree and a Master’s in Special Education degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
She married the love of her life, Richard “Rich” Hausmann, shortly after college. Patty taught third grade at the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana for three years. Patty and Rich relocated to Ohio where they built careers as professors at Owens Community College and raised their boys, Bob and Ben.
The joy of Patty’s life was being a mom to her sons. She was a caring mother who cherished her children throughout their childhood and well into adulthood. She always missed Montana and vowed to return permanently someday, but until then, spent summer breaks with Richard, Bob and Ben on long trips “out West” in Montana and Oregon.
Although she was born legally blind from albinism, Patty overcame challenges and was an outstanding student and teacher. Additionally, she was an accomplished musician, guitarist and singer. She sang and played her guitar for many weddings, and was a member of the St. Thomas Moore choir in Bowling Green, Ohio.
After spending their working life in Ohio, Patty and Richard retired in Kalispell six years ago so they could enjoy Glacier National Park. Despite the challenges with Patty being legally blind, they both enjoyed hiking, biking on their tandem, picnicking and snowshoeing in Glacier National Park.
Patty is survived by her husband, Richard Hausmann, of Kalispell; sons, Robert “Bob” (Leslie) Hausmann of Pittsburgh, and Benjamin “Ben” Hausmann of Seattle. She is also survived by her four sisters, Loretta (Mario) Anderson of Fort Shaw, Gloria (John) Eiskant of Great Falls, Marie Mills of Olympia, Washington, and Deloris (Mike) Duquette of Spokane. She leaves behind many loving relatives and friends and will be sorely missed. Patty was always a favorite in her extended family, as she had a never-ending smile, hugs to go around and a ready laugh — everyone loved it when “Aunt Patty” came. She was an amazing wife, mother, sister, cherished aunt, friend and co-worker and was always a ray of sunshine.
A simple viewing for family and friends is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. A memorial and celebration of her life will take place on her birthday in May near Glacier National Park with her extended family and friends.
The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last few years.
In lieu of flowers or gifts the family would encourage donations in Patty’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.
To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
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