Donald Weston Haugen January 27, 1931 – March 09, 2019 Share this obituary Send Sympathy Gifts Sign Guestbook| View Guestbook Entries| Send Sympathy Card Donald Weston Haugen passed away peacefully with family members at his side, Saturday, March 9, at the age of 88. Don was born January 27, 1931, to Lawrence and Amelia (Bergquist) Haugen in the City of Washburn, the oldest of three children. He was baptized at Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Don grew up learning hard work on the family farm in the Town of Washburn. He graduated from Walker High School in 1950. Don started working for the Bayfield County Highway Department in 1951.
On December 27, 1952, he married his sweetheart Shirley Scholl. They lived for a time in Washburn, then moved to the homestead of Shirley’s grandparents. Don worked for the Highway Department for 38 years, working to repair the county roads in the summertime, and plowing snow during the winter months.
After retirement, Don continued his life-long work of being on the road, and drove vehicles for the Ford dealership outside of Ashland. Don was a dedicated husband and father who worked hard for the sake of his wife and family. Through all the years, Don continued to tend their house, their beautiful yard, massive garden, and the fields surrounding their home.
Each year, his garden seemed to expand, and he took special pride in growing gladiolas as his parents had done, and sharing sweet corn with friends and family. Through his life, Don enjoyed deer hunting, masterfully using his tractor, playing darts for the church dart team, and traveling. In his 50s, Don began running, and twice completed Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth.
After that, he began bicycle racing, often taking first place in his age category in the WISPORT League, and taking part in the Senior Games in Utah. In the wintertime, he enjoyed ice fishing and taking part in Book Across the Bay. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.
Dementia complicated Don’s life in recent years, yet he never lost his marvelous sense of humor. He spent the last 5 months at care centers in central Wisconsin. At the end of February, he was finally able to come back to the Chequamegon Bay area to Court Manor Health Services in Ashland.
Close to home at last, he enjoyed almost constant visits with his beloved Shirley, family members, and friends. After being separated from home for so long, these visits brought him tears of joy. The family wishes to thank all of the staff who cared for Don on his final journey.
Also, a special thank you to Court Manor Nursing Home for allowing him to return to the area he loved and called home. Don is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Washburn; brother Jerry, Washburn, and brother Jon, Huntley, IL; children Dee (John) Pederson, St. Cloud, MN; Paul Christopher (Michelle) Washburn; Julie (Bill) Malinoski, Poplar, Wis. ; Dora, Washburn; grandchildren Anna Pederson, Derek (Taylor) Pederson, Joseph (Lesley) Haugen, David (Elise) Haugen, Marc (Charlene) Malinoski, Erin (Michael Davis) Malinoski; great-granddaughters Avery, Emlynn, and Iris Pederson; and a new Malinoski great-grandson to be born in July.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, Washburn, with Pastor Nancy Hanson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Spring burial will take place in the Woodland Cemetery in Washburn.
The Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn is handling the arrangements. To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at www.
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