In Memory

Norbert Hauser (Teacher)

Norbert F. Hauser

Aug. 1, 1934 - June 8, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Norbert Francis Hauser, 82, of South Bend, IN, passed away after a short illness on the morning of June 8, 2017. 

Norbert lived most of life in Niles, MI. He graduated from Niles High School, Western Michigan University and University of Notre Dame. Norbert taught social studies, economics and driver's training for the Niles Public Schools for 46 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran. 

He is survived by Bonnie, his wife of six years; his sons, Karl (Jennifer) and Peter (Perri); grandchildren, Jordan, Taylor and Graham; and several nieces and nephews. Norbert was preceded in death by his first wife, Harriett, as well as his sister, Sharon Joshwick.

Norbert had a positive impact on thousands of students during his years as a fixture at Niles High School. 

Private family services will be held. Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. 

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Norbert may be donated to National Public Radio, P.O. Box 791490, Baltimore, MD 21279-1490.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?n=norbert-f-hauser&pid=185752632&fhid=8852#sthash.mdrFIbBg.dpuf



 
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06/09/17 03:59 PM #1    

Rex Dillman

 never thought he would be one of those teachers i thought of at least once a week. it was him and zakas class in western civ. i got a B or better which SMC told me i didnt need a ACT test if i could pass that good in 10 grade. every year i do  history lesson to schools on civilwar he dont leave my mind.  dont forget Hausers meat market they gave out free hot dog to me every week. had him for driving training history and govt classes too.


06/10/17 10:41 AM #2    

Sharon Simons (Hettinger)

Mr Hauser and Mr Szakas were the original tag-team duo! 

What a fun class . . .  They were so funny together, and played off of each so well.

I still have papers that I wrote for that class, with notes on the side by their ubiquitous script!

He will be missed.


06/10/17 04:03 PM #3    

Mike Southworth

One of my all-time favorite teachers.  Showed us that learning (and history) could be fun.


06/11/17 08:06 AM #4    

Steve Richter (Class Of '75)

Norb Hauser. One of the finest teachers I had during my public school education.  Not only did he make history fun, but we were "fortunate" enough to be going through Watergate during our government class. A real life lesson in government processes and the role of the different parts of government.

Norb made you think about things critically. He challenged your assumptions without being threatening. And he had that 'look', where he would put his hand on his chin, and kind of look up toward the ceiling, and you knew that he was getting ready to say something interesting/funny/enlightening.  Every. time.

This is absolutely true:  not couple of  days ago I was talking to a friend of mine from Germany and I said to him;  "Everybody gets welfare. Not just poor people. Rich people too, except they don't like to call it that."  A straight up Norb Hauser quote. I never forgot it.

He was a smart, funny, and  kind person who postively impacted everyone who had the fortune of being his student.

Best memory. one day, a student (who shall remain nameless) came into class after having consumed a copious quantity of alcohol (quickly). He was inebriated/disoriented and on the verge of passing out. His head was resting on his desk. Norb looked at him quizzically and asked him if he was OK.  He (the student) then raised his head, turned it around and proceeded to projectile vomit all over the desk of the somewhat prissy cheerleader sitting  behind him. She let out a squeal: "Mr. Hauser!!" Norb didn't bat an eye. He called for two guys to escort the kid to the office and went back to teaching. It's not that he didn't care. It was simply that he sized up the situation, did what needed to be done, and that was that. Never missed a beat.  Unflappable, and really, really funny in his understated, slightly cynical way. He became the role model for the person I wanted  to become.

He was a good man. He lived a long and productive life.

We were really fortunate to have known him.

Bye, Norbert.

You are gone, but you will not be forgotten, as long as one of your students is alive.


06/11/17 11:38 AM #5    

Morgan Reed

I will never forget him and his partner in crime. I loathe history, but I really liked these two. They were not phased by my altered state by the time I arrived to second period. They were also cops in the summers, and many times they sent us home from island park. I remember our newsworthy race riot when a crowd was running down the center hall, and he picked me up, tossed me in the library, and shut the door with me safe inside. He then went to assist with the chaos. I feel like he saved me from certain injury that day. I still think of him often. He was a good man and a great teacher.

06/11/17 07:57 PM #6    

Anne Rigby (Haley)

I can't remember which of the two it was that introduced me to Toynbee's "10 steps to civilization" or which of the two that lectured, "Civilization is hobnail boots going up the stairs and silken slippers coming down".  I do remember (finally) taking driver's ed after graduating and answering Mr. Hauser's question about what year we all would be in the fall - "freshman!"  He chuckled.  I am quite sure that he was a major influence in my decision to be a history major and why I continue to enjoy studying the past.


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