Gilbert Haugen

Gilbert Haugen, age 90, of Willmar, MN, formerly of Hannaford, ND, died Sunday morning, January 17, at Bethesda Heritage Center Nursing Home in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 23, at Union Lutheran Church near Hannaford.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 21, with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gilbert Howard Haugen was born on December 9, 1925 to Bennie and Bertha Haugen in rural Hannaford, North Dakota.

Gilbert grew up on the family farm in Hannaford with his siblings, Burnell, Mervin and Richard. He attended Hannaford Public School. He continued to farm and work at the Melroe Manufacturing Plant in Cooperstown.

Gilbert and Harriet were brought together by Gilbert's brother, Mervin and Harriet's sister, Corlyn. They were married October 5, 1957 in Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo.  They made their home on the family farm in rural Hannaford.

Gilbert loved spending time with family. Many miles were put on the van so they could see the grandchildren throughout the years.  There was always a sparkle in his eye for his boys, their wives, and the grandchildren.  He loved to know what they were doing and to brag about them to all who visited.  Gilbert also loved to read the paper, do puzzles, watch "Walker" and fill out the Readers Digest Sweepstakes.  His last years were spent at Bethesda Nursing Home in Willmar where he enjoyed the staff and residents on 4th floor.

Gilbert is survived by his sons, Neal (Julene) of Atwater, MN, and Brent (Tracy) of Benson, MN; seven grandchildren, Kalene (Grant) Sharstrom, Trey (Mary Gebhardt), Elise, Cameron, Kaytlyn, Hayley, and Brayden; and one great-grandchild, Jameson.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Harriet.

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