Charles E. Haugen

Charles Elbert Haugen, 63, of Fergus Falls, MN, went home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 after complications during a surgery.

Charles was born March 28, 1954 to Einar and Priscilla Haugen of Parshall, ND. He attended Parshall High School where he proudly represented his school in football and basketball before graduating in 1973. Charles studied Recreational Engines at the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) before marrying Pauline on June 10, 1978. Charles worked at Sturdevant’s Auto Parts while he attended NDSCS, then at Oppegard’s in Park River, ND before moving back to Wahpeton, ND where he and Pauline raised their family for 18 years while he was employed with 3M. Charles spent two years working at Melroe (Bobcat) in Bismarck, ND and then moved to Clitherall, MN where he oversaw maintenance and grounds at Inspiration Point Bible Camp for two years. Finally, Charles spent nearly twelve years working in maintenance at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

Throughout his life, Charles loved the outdoors. He was a member of the Three Rivers Archery Club and the NRA, although it has never been proven that he successfully shot anything more than a decoy or paper target. Charles was an avid fisherman. He always had a boat, and anytime he could, he was on the water with his friends and family. Having breakfast or coffee with his friends was so important to Charles, especially during his fourteen month battle with cancer. He loved people, laughing, teasing, jokes, hugs, and helping. He made friends everywhere, put others first, and could fix just about anything. Charles continues to help others today as he donated his corneas after passing.

Above all things, Charles Haugen was a man of Christ. As a member of Inspiration Lutheran Brethren (Breckenridge, MN), and later Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren (Fergus Falls), Charles gave of his time and talents especially as a trustee in both churches. He served God by serving others whenever there was a need. He will be remembered for his big heart, laugh, and the twinkle in his eye. Charles Haugen was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his father Einar Manvel Haugen (November 11, 1992), nephew Brian Geise (February 21, 2016), and brother Joe Richard Haugen (November 9, 2016).

Charles leaves behind his beloved wife Pauline (Tveit) Haugen, sons Toby (Melissa) Haugen, Bryce (Bethany) Haugen, and daughter Nicole (Bryce) Albertson; mother Priscilla (Holt) Haugen, siblings David (Pam) Haugen, Marge (Max) Geise, Robert (Karen) Haugen, Phyllis (Lee) Douglas, and Linda Haugen; brother-in-law Konrad (Louise) Tveit; sisters-in-law Selma (Monte) Sticha, Diane Pitcher, Ardyce (Huss) Haugen; grandchildren Gavin, Lucas, and Ryan (Toby), Elliot, Preston, and Kristian (Bryce), Evelynn, Dane, and Archer (Nicole); Aunt Reba Holt, cousins, nephews and nieces; and his four legged companion Tess.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017 with a 6:30p.m. public prayer service at Olson Funeral Home. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service: 10 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2017 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Mark Tungseth and Reverend Dale Hexum
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.