James Hauser had just gotten back from serving in Korea when he met his wife-to-be, Virginia.

“I was sitting there, and he came over and asked me to dance,” Virginia Hauser said. “We started dancing and he introduced himself. So the next time he came over, he said he was going to marry me.”

And after months of dating, James Hauser stopped Virginia as they were walking through the parking lot of the former Grand Theatre in Latrobe, saying, “Before you go into the movies, I have something I want to give you,” and he handed her an engagement ring.

The couple had two children and seven grandchildren, and they were together for almost 56 years.

Mr. James J. Hauser, 85, of Latrobe died Sunday, March 24, 2019, at his home.

Born in Latrobe on Nov. 20, 1933, he was the son of the late Charles C. Sr. and Nellie Nestler Hauser.

An athlete in high school, Mr. Hauser ran for the track team, winning titles and spurring his love for sports.

After graduating, he started pitching for fast-pitch softball teams and was referred to as “Iron Man” Hauser. Aside from playing, Mr. Hauser coached teams, and he still received Christmas cards and letters from people he had coached, his family said.

After his children were born, he spent most of his time coaching teams they participated on and traveling across Pennsylvania to see his daughter, Rhonda, compete in horse competitions, a tradition that continued with his grandchildren.

“The grandchildren were the loves of his life, and they were all involved in sports,” Virginia Hauser said. “I don’t know if he ever missed a track or cross country meet of theirs.”

Son James Hauser said he remembers his dad helping out at his Little League games, a passion that led Mr. Hauser to watch all of his grandchildren’s baseball and basketball games.

But what James Hauser really remembered was his dad’s love for the outdoors.

“The man loved to cut grass, and I mean everybody’s,” James Hauser said with a laugh.

Serving two years in the Army, Mr. Hauser spent time in Korea, helping to clean up in the aftermath of the war. After that, he spent 42 years employed at Kennametal.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Hauser is survived by his daughter, Rhonda L. Hauser Richard; two brothers, John Hauser and Richard “Dick” Hauser; a sister, Betty Ann Adams; and seven grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at John J. Lopatich Funeral Home, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Church in Latrobe. Interment will be private.

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