Frederick Richard Hauer

Dr. Frederick “Ric” Richard Hauer
September 23, 1950 – October 29, 2025
Dr. Frederick “Ric” Richard Hauer of Missoula, Montana, passed away suddenly on October 29, 2025, while traveling through Rapid City, South Dakota. He was 75. Ric courageously battled metastatic cancer for 13 years, far exceeding his initial prognosis. A towering presence in both stature and spirit, Ric was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle as well as mentor, teacher, and friend to countless individuals across the globe.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, Ric was the son of Dr. Roman “Fred” Hauer and Dorothy (née Nourse) Hauer. He grew up in Fowlerville, Michigan, a small farming community where his father practiced medicine. Ric shared a close bond with his older sister Katherine and was deeply rooted in the traditions of his German immigrant family.
Ric’s academic journey began at Cranbrook Schools and continued at Culver Military Academy, where he became Commander of Company C. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Stream and River Ecology from the University of North Texas, in collaboration with Dr. Jack Stanford at the Flathead Lake Biological Station.
Ric met Brenda Russell in 1968, and they married in 1971. Together, they raised their children, Andrew and Bethany, in Montana, South Carolina, and Georgia. Their life was filled with adventure—camping, hiking, rafting, and road trips. After retiring in 2018, Ric and Brenda traveled extensively across the U.S. and Canada in their Airstream trailer, visiting friends and exploring nature.
Ric served as a tenured professor at the University of Montana from 1986 to 2018, continuing as Emeritus until his passing. He taught advanced courses in Stream and River Ecology and Limnology, mentored numerous graduate students, and directed major research initiatives. He founded the Institute for Ecosystems and the Systems Ecology graduate program and led over $70 million in environmental research. Ric published more than 125 peer-reviewed articles and co-edited the influential textbook Methods in Stream Ecology with Dr. Gary Lamberti.
Beyond academia, Ric was a passionate conservationist. Beginning in the early 1990s, he collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop methodologies for the Clean Water Act, focusing on the ecological functions of wetlands and waterways. He referred to these as “the waters of the People of the United States of America.” His work helped shape national water policy and trained hundreds of professionals in wetland ecology and water resource management. Ric continued teaching Corps personnel as recently as September 2025, inspiring them with his belief that protecting and studying water was the most rewarding career imaginable.
Ric’s love of flight led him to become a licensed pilot in the early 2000s. He flew extensively for research and pleasure, often accompanied by his wife or son. His beloved red and white 1975 Skywagon, named after his granddaughter Montana Rose, carried him to remote research sites across North America. He was an active member of Montana’s bush pilot community until health issues grounded him in 2018.
Internationally, Ric’s expertise was sought after for collaborative research and policy development. He worked on transboundary water issues in the U.S. and Canada, contributing to the preservation of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. His global impact extended to South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Australia, where he participated in conferences, fieldwork, and policy discussions.
Ric was a devoted member of All Souls Missoula PCA Church, serving as a Ruling Elder for 10 years. His faith deepened after attending a Cursillo retreat in 1987. In his younger years, he often led worship with his 12-string guitar.
Above all, Ric cherished his family. He was deeply proud of Andrew and Bethany and found joy in philosophical conversations, attending performances, and sharing wisdom with his children and grandchildren. He also maintained close relationships with friends and colleagues, always eager to connect and inspire.
Ric is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Brenda; son Andrew (Alisha) Hauer; daughter Bethany (Russell) Hauer McKethen; grandchildren Montana, Adara, Makana, Isabella, Roman, Duane, and Derek; stepbrother Keith (Noreen) Leich; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Katherine, and other cherished family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the University of Montana Ali Auditorium in the Phyllis Washington School of Education Building on April 25, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the F. Richard Hauer Scholarship fund at the University of Montana Foundation. This scholarship will help students continue their education in ecology at the Flathead Lake Biological Station.
Brenda, Andrew, and Bethany extend heartfelt thanks to the exceptional staff at Monument Hospital, Rapid City, SD, especially the Critical Care ICU team, for their compassionate care.

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