Friends may call at the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 2:00 PM until the family service and at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to services.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church in Grenora. Rev. Sheldon Sorenson will officiate. A family service open to the public will be held at 5:00 PM Friday at the Bethel Lutheran Home Chapel.
Interment will be in the Grenora Cemetery.
John Haugen, 72, of rural Grenora, ND, passed away Sunday evening, March 31, 2019 at Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston.
John Ingward Haugen was born July 1, 1946, in Williston, ND, to Oliver and Emma (Hanson) Haugen. He was raised on the family farm south of Grenora and attended school in Hanks and Grenora, graduating from Grenora High School in 1964.
John started driving a tractor at the young age of 11. He and his two older brothers worked hand in hand with their mother Emma and aunt Anna on the farm. The family raised grain as well as beef and dairy cattle. John farmed and raised cattle for many years with his brother Ted. He later helped the Poeckes family farming operation until he retired in 2014.
John was very active in 4-H growing up and won several awards including a trip to Chicago. He enjoyed fishing, especially on the ice, and hunting. He also took several snowmobiling trips to Yellowstone.
John enjoyed cruising the countryside with his sweetheart Bernice by his side. When John was unable to care for Bernice at home, it did not stop him from being with her. He would spend countless hours a day by her side not hardly missing a day. John also loved his cats. He cherished and would do anything for them.
John was an avid gardener. He could hardly wait until February when the Gurney’s Seed catalogs would start arriving in the mail. He was very well known for his large potatoes and other produce that he was able to grow. People would rave about the size of his potatoes and pumpkins. John always looked forward to going to the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. He enjoyed visiting with people and exchanging stories.
John was known as a gentle giant and had a heart of gold. He always saw the positive in people and was willing to help anybody in need. When you would walk into a room, you could tell John was there with his big hearty laugh and a huge smile on his face. He lived life to the fullest up until the last few months of his life.
John is survived by his special friend Bernice (Hendrickson) Haugen, Williston; special friends Brad and Donna Peterson and Tony and Dori Hendrickson, Williston; nieces Heidi (Jeremy) Haugen-Grohs, Kenmare, and Heather Andersen, Grenora; great-nephew Colin Robbins, Minot; and his very dear farm cats.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Marvin and Ted.
We would like to thank the staff at Bethel Home for making him feel welcomed and the wonderful care received, to Dr. Siewart and staff from Trinity Clinic and St. Alexis in Williston, to the hospice staff, and the Williston Ambulance. We are grateful for the support provided to John and his family.
Will miss visiting with you when I come back to ND this spring. Enjoyed seeing you and Bernice when I came in to play.
So sorry to read of John's passing. John was a gentle man. Lots of fun to sit with and have a good time. Spent a few evenings with John and Bernice.
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He always had a smile on his face, and a kind word for everyone.
I was so saddened to hear the news of John's passing. He was such a wonderful man. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Bernice and family - I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with them over the years and more recently at Bethel Home. He was so caring with Bernice. Rest In Peace.
John will always be remembered for his hearty laugh and his patience. He was always up for a cup of coffee no matter the time of day. The big pumpkins he grew as well as the potatoes in a range of colors. He was a great companion for Bernice and a great addition to the Hendrickson family.
Bernice and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Big Johns passing. He was one the sincerest and kindest men that I ever have known. He always had a smile on his face, never did he ever complain. He was a good man and he will sadly missed. RIP Big John, Fly high.
It was always a pleasure to see and visit with Big John as some of us called him in high school and later. Whenever I saw him he always had a smile and time for a conversation. I am out of the area and will miss the services. My sympathy to all.
Thoughts and prayers for Bernice and family.