Caleb William Hauser

Caleb William Hauser, 26, passed away on October 9, 2026, in Carroll, Iowa. Family will greet guests from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Iles Jordan Creek Chapel (7150 Ashworth Rd. West Des Moines, Iowa.) Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. immediately following the visitation.  Caleb will be interred in Glendale Cemetery following services. 

Caleb was born on October 2, 2000, In Des Moines, Iowa to Chris and Jennifer Hauser. He was a graduate of Waukee High School.  Caleb was a personable young man who was well-liked by those who knew him. He was always polite and respectful in the presence of others, yet he also had a playful side and enjoyed a good prank now and then. He was intelligent, quick-witted, and gifted at writing and storytelling. He loved a good philosophical debate and could engage in thoughtful conversations about just about anything. His humor, personality, and ability to tell a story made him memorable to those around him.

Family was an important part of Caleb’s life. He especially enjoyed playing games with his family, creating memories during the holidays, and sharing laughter together. He loved children and had a special way of joining in their fun, playing right alongside them as a kid at heart himself. Despite the struggles he faced, Caleb held on to the hope of one day having a family of his own. His big heart and capacity to love deeply were an important part of who he was.

Caleb had a wide variety of interests and enjoyed life in his own distinctive way. He was an adventurous eater with a particularly strong appreciation for spicy food. His beloved Carolina Reaper cheese was a favorite, and if a meal wasn’t spicy enough, he was always ready to turn up the heat. He enjoyed salmon, sushi, and was a fan of Pancheros. He also had a desire to expand his cooking skills and learn to prepare new and different meals.

Music was another passion, and Caleb spent much of his time listening to his carefully chosen playlists. His musical tastes were diverse, ranging from classic rock, alternative, grunge to rap, music from the ’70s and ’80s, and influential pop rock. Among his favorite groups were The Cure, Nirvana, and the Beastie Boys. Music was a constant companion, reflecting his broad interests and individual style.

Caleb enjoyed action-packed video games, movies ranging from comedies to thrillers and action films, and watching one of his favorite comedy shows, Impractical Jokers. He appreciated a good joke and wasn’t above creating a little mischief of his own. He was also an animal lover, especially fond of cats. The family cats, Sassy, Georgie, Oliver and Felix held a special place in his world.

In his younger years and early high school years, Caleb was a good athlete who excelled in football, baseball, and track. His speed was a great attribute in every sport he played. He also enjoyed shopping, particularly for clothes and shoes. Earlier in life, he took pride in dressing sharply and looking stylish. As the years went by, comfort increasingly won out, and sweatpants, slippers, and a more relaxed, grunge-inspired look became his preferred style. Both sides were distinctly Caleb, and he wore each well in his own way.

Caleb’s life was not without struggles, but those who loved him knew the many sides of the person he was: thoughtful and funny, respectful and mischievous, intelligent and curious, tenderhearted and strong in his capacity to love. He had a big heart, loved deeply, and brought his own unmistakable personality to the lives of those around him. He will be remembered not only for the challenges he faced, but also for his humor, his interests, his love of family, and the moments of connection and laughter he shared with others.

Caleb is survived by his mother, Jennifer (Dan Shaver) Hauser of Urbandale, Iowa; his father, Chris Hauser, of Carroll, Iowa; his stepbrothers, Ben (Makenna) Shaver, of Ankeny, Iowa, and Matt (Kalli) Shaver, of Osage Beach, Missouri; his nieces, Oaklee and LeaVaughn; his nephew, Beau; his paternal grandmother, Nancy Hauser, of Carroll, Iowa; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.

He was preceded in death by his stepbrother, Sam Shaver; his uncle, Tim Hauser; his paternal grandfather, Ron Hauser; and his maternal grandparents, Francis Skees and Hazel Gordon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Caleb’s name may be directed to his family.

Iles Jordan Creek Chapel is managing arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at Ilescares.com.