Louis Hasbargen

Louis Theodore Hasbargen, 88, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died Saturday, January 30, 2010, at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo, ND.  He was born December 19, 1921, in Becker County, Minnesota, the son of William and Louise (Steffen) Hasbargen, Sr. He attended the Becker County School and was baptized and confirmed at the Becker County Church. On October 25, 1942, he married Florence Thilda Peterson. Their first winter they lived east of Hubbard, Minnesota while Louis worked cutting trees for the family saw mill. In the spring of 1943 they bought their farm north of Everdale and farmed for 25 years. They moved to Fergus Falls in 1964 while he continued to farm. Louis worked in Fergus Falls as a car salesman for a while, and then he worked for Knutson Heating and A/C. He was a builder, a carpenter and an electrician. He was a member of the Elks Club, Duplicate Bridge, and Archery. Louis and Florence enjoyed playing bridge with friends and family for entertainment, along with other games. Louis served as a treasurer and usher at Foxhome Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He was a member of ARC – Association for Retarded Citizens; a delegate from the Otter Tail County ARC at the Minnesota Legislature, and lobbied for the ARC in 1975. Louis and Florence regularly took children home from the State Hospital for holiday dinners. They were foster parents to 23 children through the years. In 1979 they moved to the south side of Jewett Lake, ten miles north of Fergus Falls. He loved farming, fishing, woodworking, mechanics, carpentry, and hunting deer and pheasant. He loved giving boat rides to friends and family and spending priceless time with all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After some years living in central Florida with his daughter, Colleen Jones, they returned to Fergus Falls to live at Park Gardens. Louis worked hard all his life. He was admired by many for his integrity. He was a man of his word. He helped his family and so many friends and neighbors with love and enthusiasm. He opened his home up to many friends and family. His quiet presence, caring words, funny remarks, and contagious smile will always be remembered and missed by everyone who knew him. Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Clarence, William, James, and Jacob; two sisters, Doris Hasbargen and Arlene Kimball; two sons, Thomas Hasbargen and Richard Hasbargen; one grandson, Lawrence Rupp; and two sons-in-law, Douglas Raguse and Craig Rupp. Louis is survived by his wife, Florence, of Fergus Falls; two sons, Keith Hasbargen of Mayville, ND, and Jeffrey Hasbargen of Detroit Lakes; seven daughters, Bonita (Gary) Neuman of Eustis, FL, Dianne Raguse of Nashua, Pamela Rupp of Elbow Lake, Renee Hasbargen of Fergus Falls, Marilyn (Tommy) Graham of Crowley, Texas, Colleen (Eric) Jones of Lake Mary, FL, and Claudia Bosquez of Oviedo, FL; a daughter-in-law, Diane (Mick) Hasbargen of Osseo; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Memorials are preferred to Park Gardens, 215 E. Skogmo Blvd., Fergus Falls MN 56537. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Saul G. Stensvaag Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com