Clayton Haugen, 75 of Oklee, MN died peacefully on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN with his loving family at his side.

Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Oklee, MN with Chaplin Don Stenberg presiding. Military honors will be provided by the Oklee American Legion. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Oklee, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, November 25, 2016.

Clayton Norris Haugen was born on January 29, 1941 in Fosston, MN the son of Olaf and Amelia (Clementson) Haugen. He graduated from Fosston High School in Fosston, MN.

He served with the United States Navy from 1959-1963 and with the United States Coast Guard from 1964-1981. Clayton was Honorably Discharged after 22 years of active duty on November 9, 1981. Clayton married Beatrice and to this union a son, Clayton Haugen Jr. was born.

Clayton returned to live in Fosston and took care of his uncle, Elmer Haugen. While visiting his uncle at McIntosh Manor, Clayton met his future wife, Carol Westlund. They were wed on June 28, 1988 in Crookston, MN and made their home in Oklee, MN.

Through the years, Clayton was a caregiver, carpenter, worked at American Crystal Sugar, edited the Oklee Herald for 8 years, served as Oklee mayor for 8 years, and served on various boards in his community. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Oklee.

He enjoyed gardening, gold prospecting, quilting, writing, woodworking, fishing, and watching the grandkids games. Clayton and Carol also enjoyed trips to Medora and Texas.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carol of Thief River Falls; son, Clayton Haugen Jr. of New York; step-children, Rodney "Bucky" Smith of Warren, MN and Steven (Jeraldean) Westlund of Thief River Falls; 6 grandchildren, Jeri & Joel Ullyott, Lexis & Zachary Westlund, Chance & Caitlyn Smith; sister, Carol (Ellsworth) Danielson of Fosston, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death his parents; brothers, Raymond, Frank and Marvin Haugen; and half-brother, Tony Yergens.