Donald Haugen

Donald "Don" N. Haugen, aged 87, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather "bestefar" and all around "better than average" guy, passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2013. Don came into the world on Sept. 29, 1926, and was one of seven children born to his Norwegian immigrant parents.
Don was a lifelong Madisonian. He spent his childhood growing up in the Dudgeon-Wingra neighborhood. He formed many happy memories during this time when he explored the springs and waters of Lake Wingra, the woods of the Arboretum and roamed the open spaces with his brothers and childhood pals- many of whom went on to become lifelong friends. Don treasured the happy memories he had of growing up one of the "Magnificent Seven," and would often share stories of getting into mischief with his brothers and sisters and the summers that they shared on the hot plains of Sinai, South Dakota. Don's childhood was shaped by the Great Depression. He lived through the heartache of losing his childhood home, and grew to know the value of a dollar, hard work and determination. Those values have been passed on to his children.
Don graduated from Madison West High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Force. While training for deployment in World War II, he was grounded after the deaths of his two brothers who were fighting in the war. Don's love of aviation, and interest in World War II history never wavered throughout his life. After returning home from the service, Don attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the G.I. Bill, earning a degree in art education. He taught art for several years in Madison before continuing his education at the University in elementary education. Don returned to the classroom as an elementary teacher, teaching at Franklin and Lapham Elem. Schools in Madison.
During this time, Don met his future wife, Beverly Stark, at a dance held at "The Loft" in downtown Madison. After a 4 year courtship, they married on June 20, 1953. They worked hard and saved money to build their first and only home in Midvale Heights. Don and Bev welcomed their 2 daughters in 1957 and 1960. They raised them in a wonderful neighborhood where children played in the streets and neighbors' yards, and doors were always left open.
During these years, Don continued his coursework while working, earning a Master Degree in Educational Administration. He opened the brand new Spring Harbor Elementary School, and served as its first principal - a job that he deeply loved. Don went on to become the principal of Crestwood, Falk and Orchard Ridge Elementary Schools before his retirement in 1986, after 38 years of service to the Madison School district. Don was a beloved boss, mentor and friend to those he worked with. He loved his job, his staff and the children that he served. He prided himself in knowing every students' name and would greet each and every one as they arrived at school in the morning. Throughout his life, former students, parents and staff would stop him on the street and share a comment or story about how he had impacted their life, and how much he was admired.
While Don's work was one of his passions, he had many others as well. Don was in many ways, a "Renaissance Man." He was interested in everything and wanted to learn something new each and every day of his life. His interests included, but were not limited to; aviation, space, electronics/mechanics, cars, golf, art, travel, history and his Norwegian heritage. He learned to play guitar in his 40s, sail a boat in his 50s, built his own telescope and taught himself the harmonica. In retirement, Don returned to his great love- painting. He studied oil painting under Greg Kreutz and attended many art camps, classes and retreats. His talents flourished, and he went on to become a renowned artist in the Dane County area. He was so pleased to have won a "Best in Show" award from the Madison Art Guild, have a painting chosen for the Dane County Cultural Arts calendar and to have his work displayed and sold in several Madison area galleries. Don was happiest when late in the day, he would announce to Bev, "I'm going to go downstairs and push a brush around." His talents were many and will live on in the artwork that he leaves behind for us to enjoy. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar.
Don was a compassionate man who strongly believed in the beauty of the world, and the gift that each day presented. He shared that love with his family through several trips to Norway (where his daughters saw the birthplaces of their grandparents) and in 36 consecutive family vacations to Longboat Key Florida. Because Don believed in sharing his blessings, he volunteered his time selflessly throughout his life. He was a lifelong blood donor to the Red Cross, served on the Meriter Hospital Scholarship Committee, volunteered countless hours as a Meriter Volunteer, served as President of the Sons of Norway Idun Lodge, was a member of the Ygdrasil Literary Society, volunteered for the Midvale Heights Neighborhood Association, and was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, supporting both the church's art programs and the Bethel Horizon scholarship fund. Don worked for many years and many organizations - always giving back to the community he loved. The world is a better place because of him.
Many will mourn his passing, most of all, his devoted wife of 60 years, Beverly; two beloved daughters, Kari Haugen and Kristin (John) Haugen-Wente and treasured granddaughter, Nora (for whom he always had "something up his sleeve"); a brother, Karsten (Casey) Haugen; and many wonderful nieces , nephews and wonderful friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Inga Haugen; sisters, Jean Behrnd, Patricia Pracht, Sally McCrank; and brothers, Harry and Elmer Haugen.
Services for Don will be held Sunday, Dec. 15th at 4:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave in Madison. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private. Memorials in Don's name may be made to; Meriter Hospital Scholarship Fund, Sons of Norway, Idun Lodge #5 Scholarship Fund, or Bethel Lutheran Church- Art Ventures or Bethel Horizons.
The family would like to thank all of Don's Meriter Cardiology doctors and nurses, the staff at Sebring for their tender care, and Agrace Hospice for supporting our family through these difficult past weeks.