Lewald John Haugen

Obituary Lee J. Haugen was born on December 11, 1919 in Appam, North Dakota and died February 23, 2012 in Tacoma, Washington, just four days after celebrating his 70th wedding anniversary with "the best thing that ever happened to me"-his beloved wife Frances. They met at a dance at the Crescent Ballroom in Tacoma in October, 1941 while he was working at Fort Lewis following his discharge from the Army. They were married the following February. He is survived by three children: David (Terri), Diane, and Dolores (Jim) and grandchildren Samantha, Geoff, Zachary, Tess, and Sam. He was predeceased by his son Dennis in 1980. As a young man Lee joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and worked on the International Peace Arch in Surrey, North Dakota. He later joined the Army and moved to the Pacific Northwest, which he loved. He was a milkman for Darigold Company and later employed as a planker boss for Tacoma Boat, working on wooden minesweepers for the war effort. In the late 1940's Lee was hired by Brunswick Corporation and spent over 30 years with the company building bowling lanes all over the northwest, including Alaska. He enjoyed his job and was an excellent provider to his family. Because he travelled extensively for work, he especially valued his time at home. He was a man of honesty and integrity. Although he did not have much formal education, Lee was a very smart person, ably reading mechanical and electrical drawings for his work. He believed a job worth doing was a job worth doing well and it showed in all the projects he completed both at work and at home. Lee was an avid newspaper reader, fine dancer, self-taught musician (harmonica and guitar) and possessed a wonderful singing voice, harmonizing beautifully. He loved his wife's good cooking and the simple joys of home and family. He was a man of few words but many deep thoughts, some of which were expressed in the letters he wrote to loved ones. Our hearts ache at his loss but rejoice in his freedom from physical pain. Many thanks to Allenmore Hospital's ICU staff for their compassionate care, especially nurses Kristen and Petra. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Patrick's Church on Thursday, March 1st at 11:00 am with reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home.