Virgil Haugen, 85, of Henning died on Wednesday July 4, 2012, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Virgil Clair Haugen was born on October 15, 1926 in Leaf Lake Township, Henning, Minnesota to parents Carl and Julia M. (Juvrud) Haugen. While attending classes at Henning High School, he was a member of the basketball and football team where he was known by the nickname "Goon." He enlisted in the Navy during his final year of high school toward the end of the Second World War. During his deployment, he traveled throughout the United States, the Philippines and France. After being honorably discharged, he retuned to his mother's farm where he worked until he retired from farming in 1994. Due to the war, Virgil left high school unfinished; he finally received his diploma in the spring of 2000.
At a dance in Ottertail, he met his future wife Helen Kathryn Kalal who he married on March 1, 1952 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. In Henning, they started a family on their farm. They had a daughter Virginia and a son Danny Haugen.
Virgil was incredibly proud of his family. He knew what it meant to work hard. His stern resolve had come from his over fifty years of farming to support his family. His work did not stop him from finding joy and humor in life. Virgil was always quick-witted and charmed many people with his jokes and stories. He did not waste words. He would only speak when what he wanted to say was well thought-out or at least, when the comedic timing was good.
He was an avid whist player and played regularly at the Henning Senior Center. In addition to his other hobbies of hunting and bowling, he was interested in woodworking and sold some of his creations locally while saving some of his projects for his children and grandchildren. For several years, he served as a Leaf Lake Township Supervisor.
On July 4, 2012, Virgil Haugen passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. He was 85. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth; sister, Delores; infant sibling; and his wife, Helen.
Virgil is survived by his daughter, Virginia "Jinny" Haugen; his son, Danny (Piety) Haugen; his grandchildren Joel (Kim) Miller, Jerrald Miller, Adam (Marti Fuchs) Miller, Derek Haugen, Maelen Haugen, and Anton Haugen; and his great-grandsons Beckett and Nash Miller. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. When asked what advice he would give, he said "Enjoy life, or else it's just a waste of time."
Funeral Services: 11 AM Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Henning
Visitation: 4-8 PM Wednesday, at the church - and one hour prior to the service
Military Rites: New York Mills American Legion
Clergy: Rev. David Holte
Cemetery: Leaf Lake Cemetery, Henning
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Battle Lake
Condolences: www.GlendeNilson.com
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