Richard Haugen, 69, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Visitation will be from 4-6 PM Sunday, March 26, 2023, with a Prayer Service at 6 PM, St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at St. Bernard's.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM on Monday, March 27, 2023, St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN, with Father Richard Lambert officiating.

Following the service and lunch, burial will be at Rindal Cemetery, near Viking, MN.

Richard Dean Haugen was born on February 26, 1954, to Harvey and Esther (Fieman) Haugen in Thief River Falls, MN.  He was baptized at Melo Lutheran Church near Angus, MN and later confirmed at Rindal Lutheran Church near Viking, MN. He attended country school for a short time near Euclid, and when Richard was in the second grade the family moved to Rosewood, MN. He then attended Washington Elementary in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972.  That summer he went into custom combining.

In September 1972, Richard began working at Concrete Inc. at the plant west of St. Hilaire, MN. In 2000, Richard became Plant Supervisor at Concrete Inc. which is now Davidson Construction & Ready Mix and has continued to hold that position.  Richard loved all aspects of his work and was very dedicated to his job throughout the years.

Following a blind date in December of 1981 with Lynette Bruggeman, the couple were engaged 2 1/2 months later and married on September 25, 1982 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Brooks, MN. They settled on the Haugen Family Farm near Rosewood and moved to Thief River Falls in 1985.  Their first son, Dean was born June 29, 1986, and second son, Kyle was born September 24, 1990.  After a couple of moves around the TRF area, in 1995, they settled into their country homestead.  Together they have enjoyed working on projects both inside and outside with plans to someday retire and tinker around the yard.

Richard loved to mow with his headphones on, singing off-key, to the old-time country music. He enjoyed fishing in both winter and summer and hunting with his sons. He would reluctantly help Lynette with their gardens when she had a project. Richard was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and dearly loved his family. He and Lynette enjoyed following their sons with their activities. Through the years, he has taught his sons remodeling jobs, mechanical skills and the skills of his work at the gravel pit, where both boys have worked alongside their father—Dean for 18 years and Kyle for 15 years.  In 2019,  Richard became "Grandpa", which he felt was the best job ever!

He was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church as he became Catholic on April 11th, 1998. Richard was involved in many committees and projects with St. Bernard's church and school throughout the years. He had also served on the Rindal Cemetery Board for many years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Lynette, Thief River Falls, MN; sons, Dean (Sara) Haugen of East Grand Forks, MN and Kyle (Annah) Haugen of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Kora, Arie and Josie; siblings, Roger (Susie) Haugen, Karen (Gary) Nelson, Alvin Haugen, and Janna Haugen; mother-in-law, Vi Bruggeman; brothers & sisters-in-law, Larry (Fawn) Bruggeman, Kelan (Paulette Simon) Bruggeman, Kris Bruggeman, Alan "Ole" (Rosie) Bruggeman, Ross (Valerie) Bruggeman, Janell (Jay) Pelland and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Larry Bruggeman; and brother-in-law, Joel Bruggeman.