Frances Hauser

Madison - Hauser, Frances Bess , age 102, at The Jefferson Retirement Home, Madison, Wisconsin passed away August 5, 2015. She was born on October 15, 1912 in Black Earth, Wis to Clarence and Hattie Ranyard. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile and White Shrine in the Masonic Order. Over 50 years she attended First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave, until she could no longer make the trip to downtown Madison. As a young woman Fran worked for the UW Athletic department. She worked about a 60-hour week during 6 days. Like most people, the only day she had off was Sunday.
After her regular job, she sometimes volunteered at R&R Batteries. Once a week, some women got together to make sweaters for the Army men. The Army would give the ladies the knitting instructions and cloth, called Olive Drab. After the war the same group enjoyed each other's' company so much, they continued to meet after the war. Fran was the only living survivor from this group. On one of the days Bill had off, he asked Fran to marry him. A few weeks later while Bill was in Europe, she received her engagement ring in the mail. They got married December 22, 1946. Together they celebrated over 67 years. They were world-wide travelers. When in Madison, they attended UW hockey games and watched Milwaukee Brewer baseball. Fran was a breast cancer survivor.

William Hauser, Fran's husband passed away in April 2014. Fran was survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews.


A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Frances will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434