Dr. Richard L. Hauser

Dr. Richard Lee Hauser, 76, of Grinnell, Iowa, made his transition on September 29, 2026, at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Rick was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on October 25, 1949, the son of Lee and Bernice Hauser. From an early age, he was independent, ambitious, and intellectually curious. While still in grade school in Gilman, Iowa, Rick decided that he wanted to become a medical doctor—a goal he pursued with remarkable persistence and self-discipline. His confidence, determination, and strong desire to do things correctly propelled him through the University of Iowa, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology and his Doctor of Medicine degree. He became board certified in Internal Medicine, with a subspecialty in Gastroenterology, and later became board certified in Psychiatry. In 1984, he was among the first cohort of only 175 physicians nationwide to become certified as specialists in Addiction Medicine under California's examination board.

Rick's medical career reflected both the breadth of his interests and his desire to help people. His private practice placed particular emphasis on adolescent and child psychiatry, adolescent substance abuse, Impaired Physician/Professional Programs, and opioid dependence detoxification and maintenance treatment.

Above all, Rick cared about his family. He deeply loved his two children, Max and Grace, and they remained a central part of his heart. He carried a deep sense of pride in Max and Grace and hoped that each would find their own path to a fulfilling life.

Rick was passionate about learning through experience and believed in living life rather than simply observing it. His curiosity took him backpacking throughout Europe and traveling to China, Russia, and Israel. In the United States, he was especially fond of Wisconsin, Mackinac Island, Colorado, New Mexico, and Hawaii.

His interests were as varied as his personality. He collected art and antiques, enjoyed cycling and music, and made a determined—and sometimes frustrating—attempt to become good at golf. He valued his friendships deeply, both professional and personal, and throughout his life formed relationships with people from many different walks of life.

Those who knew Rick will remember his zest for living life to its fullest, his unmistakable laughter and sense of humor, and his charismatic ability to combine intensity and determination with gentleness and kindness. He was a man of presence and attraction who could command a room while also making people feel seen and valued. His curiosity, intelligence, humor, and unique way of experiencing the world touched countless lives.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Bernice Hauser. He is survived by his son, Max Hauser; daughter, Grace Hauser; brothers Bob Hauser (Kendra) and Paul Hauser (Shannon); sister LeAnn Tatman (Dave); and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caretakers at St. Francis Manor, where Rick lived following his stroke in 2018. Rick's family deeply appreciated their compassion, patience, and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to make a contribution to their favorite local charity or food bank in Rick's memory, or to the Central Iowa Division of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://namicentraliowa.org/donate/

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 5, 2026 at Rose Hill Memorial Garden Cemetery in Marshalltown, followed by a lunch and reception from 11:30 AM until 2:00 PM in the Heritage Room at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Rick lived with curiosity, intensity, humor, and an enduring desire to experience all that life had to offer. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.