Kim T. Hauer, 61, of Hutchinson passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in rural Grove City. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11 a.m.. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in the church cemetery. Clergy Officiating: Father Paul Wolf; Pianist: Kirsten Kinzler; Song Leaders: Bobbi Ludewig and Patti Hoerner; Music Selections: “Jesus Come To Us”, “Here I Am, Lord”, “To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul”, “Eye Has Not Seen”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “The Hand Of God Shall Hold You”, “We Will Rise Again”; Honorary Urn Bearers: Kim’s Grandchildren Kim Thomas Hauer was born on March 28, 1963, in Willmar. He was the son of Leroy and Dorene (Johnson) Hauer. Kim was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Lake Lillian First Lutheran Church. He received his education at Bird Island and Lake Lillian High School, graduating with the class of 1981. Kim participated in wrestling and football in high school, winning two football State Championships. Kim furthered his education at Willmar Vocational-Technical School. On November 15, 1986, Kim was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lee Ann vander Hagen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island.

This marriage was blessed with four children, Alyssa, Bradley, Nick and Emily. Kim and Lee Ann resided in Corvuso before making their home in Hutchinson in 1990. They shared 38 years of marriage. Kim was employed as a truck driver for Sparboe Farms. In August, 2024, Kim decided to take a step back and switched positions so he could spend more time with his family. He was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. Kim was also a member of the Hutchinson Knights of Columbus Council #4797. In their younger years, Kim and Lee Ann enjoyed camping in Spicer and the North Shore. Kim also enjoyed staying active in the wrestling community. He especially cherished time spent with his family during their annual cabin week at various lakes in Minnesota. Kim was known by his grandchildren as the “fun Papa” whether he was initiating living room dance parties, wrestling matches, snake hunts in the back yard or bear hunts in the basement. He was known as the “master packer” when preparing for camping or cabin trips. Relatives were always amazed at what he could pull out of a pop-up camper. Everyone wanted to sit next to Kim on the couch because that meant they would get one of his famous foot or back massages. He was adored by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Blessed be his memory. Kim is survived by his wife Lee Ann Hauer of Hutchinson; children, Alyssa Smith and her husband Pat of Sauk Rapids, Brad Hauer and his wife Jen of Minnetrista, Nick Hauer and his wife Londan of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Ella, Hadley and Camden Smith, Beckam, Henrik and Maddyn Hauer, Wrenley Hauer; siblings, Kevin Hauer and his wife Dana of Edinburgh, Ind., Kelvin Hauer of Lake Lillian, Karlene Peterson and her partner Russel Blad of Darwin, Kathryn Goff and her husband Les of Benson; many other relatives and friends. Kim is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Dorene Hauer; Dorene’s special friend, Richard Brower; daughter in infancy, Emily Hauer; brother, Keith Hauer. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available