Josh Hauk

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, September 25, 2022
in Philip at the age of 42

Joshua Edward Hauk was born December 27, 1979, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the second of three children born to Richard and Karla (Ruckdaschel) Hauk. He was an aunt and grandmother’s delight as a child because he loved to be held and rocked. He grew up and received his education in Wall, graduating from Wall High School in 1999. While growing up, he spent of lot of time with his brothers in the Badlands, and enjoyed camping with his uncle Curt and hiking with his uncle Colin.

After graduation, he attended the Art Institute of Minneapolis and graduated with a Graphic Art Multimedia Degree. After graduation, Josh worked for Rambow, Inc. in New London, Minnesota, and later worked with his father at the Hauk Properties in Wall. Josh then moved to Philip where he worked for Cattle Business Weekly. He later moved to Williston, North Dakota where he worked for “The Shopper” newspaper as well as The Sign Shop. Josh most recently worked as a graphic artist for Noteboom Motors in Miles City, Montana. Through it all, he had his own company, Badlands Graphics, as a side job. Josh’s employers marveled at his ability to create and manipulate graphics as needed. When Josh took the time to create his own art, he liked to draw and paint fantastic scenes, full of vibrancy and color.

Josh was gentle, kind, and artistic. He enjoyed giving cool little gifts to his nieces and nephews when he saw them. Josh loved animals, especially cats and the pets he had throughout his life, including lizards, hedgehog, spiders, tarantulas, and praying mantises to name a few. Josh was a deeply caring individual, and loved his family so much and cherished those good times especially holidays, when the family would get together.

Survivors include his mother Karla (Ruckdaschel) Hauk of Trenton, North Dakota; two brothers and their families: Jeremy Richard Hauk and his wife Jessica of Williston, ND and their children Maggie, Molly, and Sauntee; and Jesse Franklin Hauk of Sturgis and his children Lainie and Sam; maternal grandfather Jay Ruckdaschel of Hopking, MN; paternal grandmother Nancy Hauk of Rapid City; a special friend Danae Adair and her children Kylah, Masique, Ricky, and Brianna; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Josh was preceded in death by his father Richard Hauk on July 23, 2020; his great-grandpa Edward Klicker; great-grandma Hattie (Sibbers) Klicker; great-grandpa Ralph Ruckdaschel; great-grandma Violet (Johnston) Ruckdaschel; grandma Margaret (Klicker) Ruckdaschel; paternal grandma Donna (Hemmness) Shelton; paternal grandpa Max Hauk; two great-aunts Elaine (Klicker) Loesch; and Barb (Ruckdaschel) Bollig.

There will be a visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 125 Trenton, ND 58853

Service Details

Guest Book

So very sorry about Josh. My heart goes out to all of you. May God comfort you and give you peace. My deepest sympathy.
   ~ Charlene Kjerstad Wall, SD (10/1/2022)
So very sorry. Sending love.
   ~ Charley/Glenda Vice Rapid City, SD (9/27/2022)
My heart breaks for you, hearing of this unexpected and devastating loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts, and wish you peace and healing. Love Julie
   ~ Julie Bollig East Gull Lake, MN (9/28/2022)
So sorry Karla and Family. Josh was a kind and good hearted soul, and loved by all who knew him. Peace to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss Josh, too, and cherish all the memories.
   ~ Curtis Loesch Huron, SD (9/27/2022)
We are very saddened to loose Josh. We ran into him here in Wall and it was wonderful to see him and catch up. His artistic talent always left us in awe. We will miss you here but know you are not fighting any more demons.
   ~ Wendy & Clint Allison Wall (9/29/2022)
Such a devastating loss...prayers to your family.
   ~ Kelley Meeks Wall, SD (9/27/2022)
SD
   ~ Owen Fenhaus Rapid City (10/1/2022)
Very sorry for your families loss, praying for your family
   ~ Erik Belakjon Williston (9/28/2022)
My heart goes out to you all in this difficult time. Prayers of comfort in the days ahead.
   ~ Crystal (Swift) Bruinsma Armour SD (9/27/2022)
My heart breaks for his family. I was able to spend time with Josh and get to know him. We went on several motorcycle rides and had some very good times. He will be greatly missed, my husband and I are thinking of you all and are deeply saddened by this news.
   ~ Tracy Wamsley Miles City, Montana (9/27/2022)
I enjoyed working with Josh in Williston. Wishing his loved ones peace and comfort during this difficult time.
   ~ Marcia Williston, ND (9/27/2022)
Karla and family I am so very sorry to hear about Josh it just broke my heart to hear this my prayers go out to you Josh will be greatly missed he was a awesome young man and would help anybody so very sorry
   ~ Patricia Hauk 1502 Catholican Ave Hot Springs (9/30/2022)
So very sorry for your loss! There are no words to console your sorrows, just know, God is with you through it all to comfort you! Deepest sympathies to all of Josh's family and friends.
   ~ Nathan & Brittney Drury Philip, SD (9/27/2022)

Flowers

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Pat and Jackie Heathershaw; Heidi and Family; Kristy and Family; and Lex and Family
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Susie, Josh, Will, and Danielle, and Greg Radigan
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"Brother" - Jesse
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"Brother" - Jeremy
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Family - "Son"
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Mark Vettermann and Family
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Class of 1999
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Peggy Hauk; Dan and Cindy Hauk and Families; and Doug and Fay Hauk
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Kirsten Eckstrain
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Grandpa Jay, Aunt Kaye, Kim, and Families
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Jacob
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Jon Kreil
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Family - "Uncle"