"Thanks for the tractor rides, silly finger tricks, and pranks. I love you! Caiden"
In loving memory of
Leonard A. Haugen
April 16, 1914 - June 9, 2013
Leonard Alfred Haugen was born on a farm near Calvin, ND on April 14, 1914 to Ove Krogstad-Haugen and Hilma (nee Falt) Haugen. He was baptized and confirmed at the Deronda Lutheran Church in Wisconsin. Leonard was raised by his father and grew up on farms in North Dakota and Wisconsin. He received his schooling in Deronda, Wisconsin.
Leonard always lived on a farm. He was a "true farmer." He loved and respected both the land and animals. He was a farm laborer and worked as a carpenter in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Minnesota. It was while working on a farm west of Bergen, Minnesota that he met and married Mavis Johnson on March 27, 1943. They lived near Nye, Wisconsin before moving back to the Windom area in the fall of 1944 where Leonard worked as a farm laborer and cattle trucker. They later moved near Jeffers, Minnesota. In 1961, the family moved to a farm near Comfrey, Minnesota that Leonard and Mavis dearly loved. They remained there until the early 1980's when they moved into their new home nearby. Leonard farmed the land and retired in 2003 at the age of 89. Leonard and Mavis moved into The Maples Assisted Living at St. John in Springfield, Minnesota in 2008. His beloved Mavis passed away on January 2, 2009 and Leonard moved into St. John Lutheran Home.
Leonard passed away June 9, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, Minnesota at the age of 99.
Leonard was a family man as Mavis and his children were always his main concern. He dearly loved his five children; Gerald (Barbara), North Mankato, MN, Ramona (Jim) Way, McHenry, IL, Sharon (Tom) Goltz, Maple Grove, MN, Leland (Ilene), Comfrey, MN and Marsha Therkilsen, Otsego, MN.
Leonard's love for children was always apparent when he saw the grandchildren, who will miss his broad smile, twinkle in his eye when he was mischievous, storytelling and his abundance of patience. He leaves behind fourteen grandchildren; Angela Goblirsch, Debra Haugen, Krista Raberge, Scott Way, Kevin Way, Heather Rothenberger, Michael Goltz, Amy Goltz, Darren Haugen, Raquel Whitehill, Brandon Haugen, Jamie Haugen, Eric Therkilsen and Tara Therkilsen. He also leaves thirteen precious great-grandchildren who will miss his soft voice and funny faces.
Leonard is preceded in death by his wife, Mavis, his parents, two sisters; Helen Beckon and Eleanor Brown and also two brothers; Oscar Krogstad and Fred Husby.
Tributes
"Grandpa, may you and Grandma once again find comfort in being together. You both are missed deeply. Thank you for teaching me more than you realize and for that precious smile. I love you! "
"Uncle Leonard and Aunt Mavis were all my world growing up on the farm, I will never forget all the fun and food we had and I will miss you both forever. All my Love Stephen Krueger"
"Uncle Leonard touched my heart in many ways. I was his shadow and "helped" him a lot with chores whenever our family came to the farm for visits. He always had a smile for me and others. He was kind and a lot of fun and will be missed by all. My life was made brighter because of this incredible man. All of us can cherish our individual memories of him. "
"While I never met Mr. Leonard Haugen, I have heard many wonderful stories through his daughter, Ramona. It sounds like he was an amazing father, husband and friend to all. May his family find peace and strength during this time."
"Gerry, Barb and family. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you peace. God Bless."
"Uncle Leonard, I will always remember your sweet disposition, kindness and wonderful sense of humor. I am proud to have called you my uncle and I will always remember the good time we had when you and Auntie Mavis made a trip to Florida. You are truly one of those people that have been always treasured in our hearts. Memories of you are priceless. May God hold you and Mavis in His loving hands for all eternity. Your niece, Marie"
"Dad - you are my hero. Thank you for teaching me compassion and concern for others. Thank you for always making our time together a memory. Thank you for showing me what a true father is made of. Thank you for teaching me to be strong and work hard. Thank you for showing me the real meaning of family. You were such a gift. Just sitting side by side with your head on my shoulder, watching TV or sleeping - my idea of time well spent with you. There were so many years, but still so hard to let you go. I will miss you so much Dad. You can retire in heaven with Mom now, and just rest. Know that we will be alright because you taught us to be survivors. To think of others before ourselves. You live on in all of us - from your children, down to your grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was a privilege to be your daughter. I Love You Dad...I always will. You are my hero. Your daughter - Marsha "
"What joy to be in Leonard's presence! There wasn't a nicer, more sincere, sweet man to be found and I consider it my privilege to have known and loved Leonard all these years. May God bless his memory and that of his beloved Mavis, and may his family find great comfort in their folks' reunion in heaven."
"God Bless Leonard for being a Farmer, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and a child of God."