DONALD "DON" ROBERT HAUGEN, Age 79, of Worthington, Minnesota passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He was born January 21, 1945 in Bowman, North Dakota, to Orville & Evelyn (Thorsgard) Haugen of Reeder, North Dakota. Don graduated from Reeder High School; Reeder, N.D. class of 1965. Followed by trade school at Wahpeton State School of Science as an Upholstery/ Auto Repair major. Later in life, certification at MN West Comm. & Tech College, Worthington, MN for Steam Engineering / Class C Boiler and a CDL Truck license with education at MN West Comm. & Tech College in Pipestone, Minnesota.
Donald married Janet M. Nystrom of Worthington, MN on June 30, 1979 in Worthington, MN at Indian Lake Baptist Church. After their marriage, the couple lived in Reeder, ND, before moving back to Worthington, MN, in 1985.
Donald proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1970. He served in the HHC 3rdBrigade - 5thInfantry Division, Vietnam War era, years of 1967-1970. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, and Army Commendation Medal. His service was followed by many years in the Army National Guard in both North Dakota and Minnesota.
Don worked many positions throughout his life; in his youth in North Dakota he worked on a ranch and was a rodeo clown. He was employed at Colloid Company in Scranton, N.D., Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Reeder, N.D. as a custodian, Campbell’s Soup Company in Worthington, MN as a laborer in the Eviscerating dept., Windom Beef Packing Company as a Boiler operator, and a Greeter at Wal-Mart in Worthington, MN.
In his youth Don was a Boy Scout, where he acquired knowledge including serving others, along with receiving many merit badges. Donald was a Life Member in the VFW, and served as Commander for 2 years in Hettinger, N.D. He also served as Commander with the American Legion in Reeder, N.D. for 7 years. The Lions Club International held a special place, as his father was also a member. Donald joined the Lions Club at a young age and was a member for over 30 years; beginning his membership in North Dakota and later in Minnesota. Donald wasLion of the Year2006-2007, served as President of the Worthington, MN Lions Club 3 times, and received the Dream Catcher’s award in 2016.
Donald, a 100% proud Norwegian, was known for his sense of humor among sharing Ole & Lena jokes, and often attended the Norwegian smorgasbord at church including lutefisk, lefse, and homemade desserts. Don never met a stranger, and he enjoyed time with friends & family from playing cards, telling jokes, to sharing fellowship over coffee, pie and ice-cream. Donald was a member of the local bowling league, enjoyed fishing, and a fan of the Minnesota Twins baseball & Wisconsin Green Bay Packers football teams. He enjoyed all things country & western including music, the badlands of the Dakotas, buffalo, pheasants, and the mallard duck. Traveling throughout the Midwest and the Black Hills were among his favorites. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Janet to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Branson, MO.
Donald was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Reeder, North Dakota; and he was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Worthington, MN.
Donald is survived by his daughter Renee (Josh) Hecker (Dallas, TX); Sister, Sonja Haugen (Trimont, MN); Niece, Elizabeth Kober, her son Austin Walsh, and his daughter Nova Lee Walsh (Roy, WA); and a host of cousins, and friends that felt like family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Haugen; Brother, James Haugen; Parents, Orville & Evelyn (Thorsgard) Haugen; Grandparents, Effie Haugen, and Syver & Mabel Thorsgard.
The visitation will be6:00pm – 8:00pm on June 27that Dingmann Funeral Home1545 N. McMillan St. Worthington, MN 56187. The celebration of life funeral service will beat 11:00am on June 28that American Lutheran Church915 Winifred St. Worthington, MN 56187. Officiated by Pastor Jeremy Hallquist. It will be followed by refreshments and fellowship in remembrance of Donald’s life. Full military honors service will be heldat 1:00pm on July 2ndat Fort Snelling National Cemetery,
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55450
United States
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