In loving memory of

Ronald "Ron" Haugen
July 6, 1950 - September 29, 2018

Ronald "Ron" Haugen of Fremont, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Ron was born July 6, 1950 in Rushford, MN. He graduated from Rushford High School and continued his education at Winona State, graduating with a degree in music education.
Ron spent his life sharing his musical gift in countless ways. He began playing in his dad's band at the young age of 10. Throughout his life, Ron played in numerous bands at local supper clubs and for many private functions. While living in Arizona, Ron also acted in commercials and a tv series and was a stuntman and songwriter for an old western theme park. He was known for sharing his passion and love for music with students as a band and choir director. Ron also enjoyed his time playing in multiple church worship groups. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and endless supply of 'Ole and Lena' jokes.
He is survived by his wife, Anne (nee Pelley); five children - Erik (Diane) Johnson, Renae (Fred) Birch, Mackenzie Haugen, Melia (Tim) Ahrens, Mikayla Haugen; mother, Annabelle "Ann"; sister, Ruth (Tom) Pederson; sister-in-law Lori (Tom Eversman); five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert "Bob", and brother, William "Bill".
Memorial service will be at 11am, Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Pleasant Valley Church in Winona, MN. Visitation will be from 4-7pm, Friday, October 5, 2018 also at Pleasant Valley Church. Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Ron and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.


Tributes

Mark Walsh wrote on Oct 8, 2018:

"I never knew Ron personally but I heard many good things about him from kids that he had a positive musical influence on as a band director in the schools around SE MN where he had worked. I play in bands around the area also and our performance paths never really crossed, but I had hoped to get to play with him sometime. Message from Mark Walsh"

Pastor Kevin Froelich wrote on Oct 6, 2018:

"Prayer for Ron's family and celebrating with Ron as he enters into the Church Triumphant in Heaven lending his voice to the choir of angels and archangels. Blessings to the family. Ron's friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winona."

Lori wrote on Oct 5, 2018:

"Mr.Haugen was my band director at Dover-Eytoa and I must say he was the best. He made band fun with all his knowledge and jokes. He will be greatly missed. "

Megan ‘Smith’ Herbers wrote on Oct 5, 2018:

"Mr. Haugen was my teacher on 9/11. I was in 8th grade. He told the class it was a terrorist attack and cried. I didn?t know what a terrosit attack meant, but the whole class was deeply changed by those words and I think it was because of the raw emotion Mr. Haugen showed us in that moment. I will never forget Mr. Haugen. I loved playing in his POWER Band. My deepest condolences."

Mardy Midler wrote on Oct 5, 2018:

"My sympathy to all the family. I remember when I had the girls in the SACC program in St. Charles for a short time."

Dennis and Claire Waters wrote on Oct 5, 2018:

"Anne and family, Our sincere sympathy to all on the passing of Ron. we enjoyed his many talents when he played in bands in the area. God be with you during this difficult time."

Jessi wrote on Oct 5, 2018:

"He was the most amazing band teacher. He taught me for many years and he made band so fun. He always had jokes and a way to make you smile. Heaven gained an amazing angel."

Joshua Kurtz wrote on Oct 4, 2018:

"How sad my heart is to see this man pass away. The Ron Haugen Family were very dear family friends. Whenever we got together for dinner, there were many laughs. I still attribute Ron (Mr. Haugen) as the one who inspired me to learn the saxophone in fourth grade at Lewiston Elementary and helped me learn to love music those following years. You will be missed Ron and many will miss your ability to make one laugh. I love you Haugen family! May the Lord be near during this moment of loss. "

Ranetta Lang wrote on Oct 3, 2018:

"My sympathy to Ron's family in his passing. I'm so sorry. I'll always remember his deep, rich voice. Ranetta Lang"

Kristine Oman wrote on Oct 3, 2018:

"Anne and family, Annabelle & Ruth and families - My deepest sympathies to all of you. Ron was such an amazing man. Having been part of the extended Haugen family all my life (Bob & Ann are my godparents), I have many memories. Most touching of all for me will forever be when Ron shared the gift of his amazing voice at my dad's funeral. Whenever I was lucky enough to run into Ron anywhere, he would always stop and talk, share a joke or two and just made me feel like I was very important to him. I know that Bob and Bill were waiting for him with open arms and imagine that there was maybe some guitar picking and singing to rejoice in his arrival. Our hearts will forever be blessed having known Ron and I know that right now, he is smiling down on his family, his eyes twinkling with love for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers, each of you. Kristine (James) Oman and family"

Lana Neyers wrote on Oct 3, 2018:

"Anne, Mikayla, Melia and Family, our deepest sympathies to all of you! Ron, your husband and father was such a wonderful man. Both Paul and I enjoyed talking with him every time we saw him. He always made time to visit with us and let us know how each of you were doing. Paul loved it when he would ask if he could get some deer jerky, Paul would come home and start making it right away for him. He always had a way of making a person feel like they were the only one he wanted to talk to at the time and made you feel important and special. I know he is in Heaven watching over all of you ....and probably looking for the perfect fishing spot. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God hold and comfort each of you always! "

Chris Bliss wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"Rest in Peace old friend. Happy Trails. From your Rawhide bud. Chris"

Kerri L wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"My deepest condolences to you all. Ron always has a smile on his face. His positive attitude reflected onto so many. He was always making me chuckle. He will forever be remembered by many. Love to you all. ??"

Dorla Dubbels wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"We got to know Ron when our daughters were in band at Dover-Eyota. He was their favorite band teacher and they learned so much from him. He also became a friend and we always enjoyed visiting with him whenever we saw him. Such a talented musician and singer. One of our favorite Christmas CD's is one of his. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.....Tom and Dorla Dubbels"

Tiffany barrone wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"Again,so sorry for your loss mikayla. "

Julie Gergen wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"My sympathies to your family. I worked with Ron at Dover-Eyota Schools where he was loved by staff and students. He was talented and fun to be around. A good man who will be missed."

Julie Gergen wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"My sympathies to your family. I worked with Ron at Dover-Eyota Schools where he was loved by staff and students. He was talented and fun to be around. A good man who will be missed."

Julie Gergen wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"My sympathies to your family. I worked with Ron at Dover-Eyota Schools where he was loved by staff and students. He was talented and fun to be around. A good man who will be missed."

Liz Howe wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"Now who is going to tune my piano? What a natural talent Ron was and his legacy will live on. I too have his Christmas CD and it is beautiful! I will shed a tear when I play and enjoy it this year! May God Bless his memory and comfort his loving family!"

Tricia (Lipinski) Parrish wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"Ron was such a wonderful man and always had a smile on his face. Heaven definately gained a good one! R.I.P. Ron"

Mary & Mer Thoen wrote on Oct 2, 2018:

"We are devastated with losing a dear, dear friend; an honorable man; and a talented musician and teacher. Ron's voice was "golden" bringing joy & inspiration at so many occasions. Those Friday nights at Ginny's with the Lewiston teachers & his Winona followers was a weekly event for us. Ron was the entertainment for our 25th anniversary; my 50th birthday; and my sister's funeral. Thankfully we have all of his Cds so his Golden Voice will continue to be so cherished. Ron, you'll always be in our hearts. "

Barb and Ray Halvorson wrote on Oct 1, 2018:

"I knew Ron for years and as a young person I followed his band around "The Cobblerswood", (I think that is how it was spelled. Later in life we met again through singing at church and through the senior citizen activities at Pleasant Valley. My husband and I played his Christmas CD this summer. Yes this summer. We both commented how beautiful it was and how it sounded like there was an entire band in back of him. Ron was extremely talented in music and I am sure that he touched many lives with his beautiful distinct singing voice. Our prayers are with his family at this time. Ron will be missed. Barb and Ray Halvorson"

Sandi Millard wrote on Oct 1, 2018:

"My sympathy to Ron's family. Always enjoyed his singing and fun personality. I worked with Ron at Dover Eyota Schools and I always had to be on my toes when he came in the office......ready for teasing. He will be missed by many."

Ida Mae Inez Bacon wrote on Oct 1, 2018:

"Ron, I remember you always being at Senior Dining when ever I asked you to perform for us. It is an honor to haveknown you and will reunite with you some day."

Pug and Frank Murphy wrote on Oct 1, 2018:

"We are so sorry to hear of Ron?s passing. He was a true gentleman, borh inside and out. We will be missed by many. Now we must keep all our great memories of him tucked deep in our hearts and he will always be with us. Sing on, dear friend!!!"

Edna Gravos wrote on Oct 1, 2018:

"Ron was: kind, gentle, loving, understanding, talented, caring, and special. "