Mae L. Haugen

Mae L. Haugen, 89, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, February 18, 2015, just three weeks after the death of her beloved husband of 65 years, Harold. Both resided at Park Gardens in Fergus Falls.

Mae Louise Norgren was born February 2, 1926 in Elizabeth, Minnesota to Elof and Anna (Scheffler) Norgren.

On August 12, 1949 she was united in marriage to Harold P. Haugen in Elizabeth. The couple resided in Fergus Falls.

Mae had an indomitable spirit, strong determination and positive attitude. She was a “country farm girl” with an eighth grade education but as an adult earned a GED, took the LPN board exam in 1972 and graduated from Moorhead State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts. When she retired in 1987, she was Group Supervisor for the admission and intensive treatments unit at the Regional Treatment Center.

In retirement Mae was given a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. She faced that with the same determination and attitude and served as an inspiration to others. She was active in educating others about the disease and supported and encouraged those who were learning to live with Parkinson’s disease.

Mae loved to travel, valued education, enjoyed music and was an avid gardener. She grew and preserved all of her family’s produce. She was very devoted to family in her role as wife, sister, mother and grandmother. Mae was also a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan. Most of all she loved to fish. One of her greatest pleasures in retirement with Harold was teaching their grandchildren to fish at their Long Lake home.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; brother, Kermit Norgren; sisters, Fern Stras and Luverne Johnson.

Mae is survived by her children, Carol (Rick) Smith of New Berlin, WI, Candace (Randy) Catoe of Ashby; grandchildren, Jesse Smith of Vernon, WI, Anthony (Elizabeth) Smith of New Berlin, WI, Alexis (Ryan) Erickson of Roseville, Jamie (Michael) Wahl of Fergus Falls; great-grandson, Dylan Erickson; sisters, Eleanora Holt of Fergus Falls, Ruth Thom of Fergus Falls, Joyce Thom of Detroit Lakes, Janice (Charles) Vangsness of Goodhue, MN; one brother, Elof Jr. of Elizabeth; one brother-in-law, Carlton Stras of Rothsay; sister-in-law, Diana Norgren of Fergus Falls; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls or National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Roger Lange
Interment: Trinity Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls