Kalamazoo Mourns the Passing of Iconic Bookseller Dean Hauck
KALAMAZOO, MI – The community of Kalamazoo came together on May 2 to honor Dean Hauck, the beloved owner of the Michigan News Agency, who passed away at nearly 86. Hauck, a fixture of the downtown area since 1947, was celebrated by mayors, authors, and loyal customers who flocked to the store for a final farewell.
Hauck first joined the family business in 1949 but took time away for college and a teaching career before returning in 1988. "She was a force," said her daughter, Margaret Hauck, reflecting on the shock felt when a "closed due to illness" sign appeared in February.
Hauck’s life was marked by resilience; having survived an internment camp during World War II in the Philippines, she developed a passion for literature that led her to create a safe haven for readers in her bookstore. Known for her advocacy of local writers, Michigan News was unique in its support of self-published authors, allowing profits to go directly to them.
The memorial drew hundreds, with community members sharing cherished memories and expressing their sorrow over the loss of Hauck and the cultural center she fostered. Mayor David Anderson remarked on the profound impact of Hauck’s spirited engagement with the community, stating, "It is in her loss that you recognize how important she was."
While hopes linger for the bookstore’s future, many accepted that Hauck’s vibrant presence, characterized by her tough love and advocacy for local art, would be irreplaceable. As attendees reminisced about their experiences in her store, they acknowledged that for many, the smell of paper and the warmth of Hauck’s spirit represented the heart of Kalamazoo.
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